Retirees Gather in Front of Parliament to Protest 'Broken Promises' by Officials

A group of retirees from various parts of Iran gathered in front of the Islamic Consultative Assembly on Sunday, December 10, to protest what they called 'broken promises' by officials. According to ILNA news agency, this gathering was a continuation of recent protests by retirees, and the participants expressed their discontent over the unmet promises of officials regarding 'the equalization of pensions and the enhancement of supplementary insurance services.' ILNA reported that among the protesters, 'a large number of retired educators were also present,' demanding attention to the 'deteriorating situation of retirees.' Fars news agency also mentioned the gathering. However, neither ILNA nor Fars provided the number of participants on Sunday. The Free Workers Union of Iran estimated the number of protesters at '15,000' in their Telegram channel on Tuesday, December 11. This labor organization also noted that the gathering occurred despite a 'security atmosphere' in the streets surrounding the parliament due to the presence of Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, who was there to present the budget bill for the year 1397. According to the report, despite repeated police orders over loudspeakers to disperse, the protesters 'continued to shout their demands.' The Free Workers Union of Iran reported that the protesters chanted: 'No compromise, no surrender, forward to comfort,' 'Police go catch thieves,' 'Our wages have decreased, our table has shrunk,' 'Today is a day of mourning, today is a day of mourning, the pension of retirees is under your cloak today,' 'Imprisoned teachers must be freed,' and 'Political prisoners must be freed.' So far, no other source has reported on this matter. Meanwhile, Mohammad Reza Badamchi, a representative from Tehran in the parliament, informed ILNA that the equalization of pensions for retirees receiving under two million tomans will be included in the budget bill for 1397. Mr. Badamchi added that 'the equalization of pensions for retirees had previously been on the government's agenda,' but 'was rejected by the Guardian Council and removed from the agenda.' According to him, for this reason, the government decided to implement 'gradual increases in pensions' in this year's budget. As reported by this representative, government employees' salaries in the 1397 budget have increased by '10 percent, but the pensions of civil retirees have increased by 27 percent.' Mohammad Reza Badamchi described this increase as 'significant and acceptable' and added that 'from the beginning of 1397, the pensions of retirees will increase by 27 percent, and this trend may continue in subsequent years.' In recent years, due to retirees' dissatisfaction with their welfare and living conditions, their protests have frequently been highlighted in the media. This is while government officials have repeatedly made promises regarding improving their situation while also discussing pension increases for retirees. However, according to labor organizations, these promises have not been fulfilled.