On the ninth day of their campaigns, the Green Party presidential and parliamentary candidates announced a plan to allow people to start receiving their retirement benefits at 60, with an option to begin as early as 55 upon request. This plan was disclosed during the party’s rally on June 30 in Huye district and is part of their manifesto. The party argues that the current retirement age of 65 is high, which leaves retirees with little time to enjoy their pension and engage in business activities. Lowering the retirement age would also benefit the youth by opening up job opportunities currently held by older workers. ALSO READ: Ngororero: Habineza vows to increase internet connectivity Jean Claude Ntezimana, a former lawmaker and Secretary General of the party, emphasised that if elected, the Green Party plans to revise the retirement age law from 65 to 60 years, with an option for early retirement at 55. He explained that this change would help people utilize their pension money more effectively. “There was a need to lower the retirement age from the current 65 to 55, noting that many people are too weak, and mentally and physically drained to use their pension savings,” he explained. Frank Habineza, the party chairman and presidential candidate, mentioned that he had previously discussed the retirement age with the Ministry of Labour, but the plans did not succeed then. ALSO READ: ‘I will be the President of Rwanda,’ claims Green Party’s Habineza In addition to the retirement age proposal, Habineza highlighted other plans, including reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 18 percent to 14 percent. For Huye district, where the University of Rwanda is located, the party plans to initiate a faculty of law for medical students at all levels to help them understand legal matters related to the medical field. “The faculty is intended to protect them in case any mistakes occur, ensuring they are not unjustly jailed due to a lack of knowledge about medical laws,” he explained. Habineza also outlined plans to increase the salaries of health personnel in the next fiscal year if elected. He noted the need for a basic wage law in Rwanda, addressing the significant wage gap and the mismatch between wages and market prices. The party aims to implement measures to help the country’s economy grow, ensuring that prices align with the purchasing power of the people. Furthermore, he disclosed that the Green Party plans to reduce loan interest rates, arguing that the current rates are excessively burdensome for citizens. They propose a maximum interest rate of 12 percent, down from the current rate, which can be as high as 20 percent or more. The Green Party will continue its campaign, with rallies scheduled in Rusizi and Nyamasheke on July 1.
