Their combined purchasing power has then been further reduced by the rampant inflation currently standing at 9% in Portugal

To the elderly without recourse to supplementary income, other than social security payments, this is most worrying especially with electricity now reaching levels of 30 to 40 % above 2021 invoiced values. As yet, it is not quite a choice between “eat or heat” but certainly self-imposed austerity must now be the rule for all domestic necessities.

Those of us who are fortunate to receive Portuguese state pensions in return for contributions paid in excess of fifteen years can at least look forward to some help from Sr. Costa´s government policies as well as a more sympathetic approach to our longevity in this green(ish) and pleasant land.

by email, Roberto Cavaleiro, Tomar