On October 20, 2024, the “Accents” program on RTR Belarus TV reported that “a German pensioner rummages through the trash in broad daylight.” Here is what Vladislav Bondar said, leading to the video segment:
“Social justice means that everyone is equal, or that differences are minimized. If we look at pension grants in European countries, native residents in Germany can expect payments of €1000 and higher. However, migrants are far from receiving such amounts, even though the cost of living and utilities are the same for everyone. What foreigners come to receive their pension in Belarus, and why?"
As of October 2024, the average pension in Germany exceeded €1,200, while in Belarus it was about €240 — five times less.
German retirees are allowed to work and receive their full pension benefits. In Belarus, working retirees face restrictions on their pension amount if their coefficient exceeds 1.3, meaning their earnings that contributed to the pension were 30% above the national average. This rule was adopted in 1992, and only in mid-October 2024 was there talk of repealing it.
Germany has a widow's pension, allowing a pensioner to receive part of the payments due to their deceased spouse. Belarus does not offer this.
Even individuals who have never worked can rely on a basic income in Germany during old age. The amount is determined individually, allowing them to cover basic expenses for housing, heating, health insurance, and other needs. Anyone with an income below €924 per month can claim basic support.
In Belarus, individuals without a work history are provided a social pension, which was approximately 210 Belarusian rubles or €60 by publication.