The government announced yesterday a one-time $400 payout to mothers and pregnant women that currently receive the Universal Child Allowance (UAH) and retirees on the minimum state pension.
President Mauricio Macri said the measure would reach around 8m people at a total cost of $3.3bn. Macri said the bonus seeks to “help [the recipients] with the basket of Christmas goods.”
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President Macri announced a one-off payout for benefits recipients (Photo via Prensa Argentina)
“We are committed to looking after Argentines, and as I’ve said many times inflation is very harmful, especially for those who have the least. We are working so that during 2016 and 2017 we move towards what everyone knows we need, single-digit inflation,” said Macri in a brief press conference at the Casa Rosada.
The president stated that the bonus should be distributed in the week after Christmas, before the new year.
When asked about union demands for a Christmas bonus, Macri reiterated that “given the economic situation we have inherited, the national government is not in any condition to pay a Christmas bonus.” He added that in the private sector the decision would depend on each company.
Macri also said that his government was in negotiations with businesses to control recent increases in prices, stating that: “if we don’t see progress at the rate we feel necessary for Argentines to navigate this transition we will open up imports to bring additional supply and correct prices.”
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