WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament has rejected a motion calling on the government to increase the General Old Age Pension (AOV) to 1,500 guilders per month as soon as possible. The motion received the support of only eight members of Parliament, while twelve voted against it, shortly before the Christmas recess.
The proposal was submitted amid continued pressure from organizations representing senior citizens, who have repeatedly urged the government to raise the AOV in response to rising living costs. The motion referred to commitments mentioned during earlier parliamentary debates and pointed to comparisons with other islands within the Kingdom, where AOV benefits are higher than those currently paid in Curaçao.
Supporters of the motion also cited recent analyses showing that the purchasing power of AOV beneficiaries declined by more than 23 percent between 2014 and 2024. During the same period, the estimated minimum subsistence level for a pensioner has risen to approximately 1,456 guilders per month.
Despite these figures, a parliamentary majority did not support the proposed increase. With the motion defeated, no immediate change to the AOV level is expected, leaving ongoing concerns among pensioners about affordability and financial security unresolved for the time being.