Electoral perks: Samuel Doria Medina promised to increase the dignity pension

Socialist candidate Samuel Doria Medina reappeared on the campaign trail with a speech aimed at senior citizens. During an event in Santa Cruz, the businessman promised to increase the Renta Dignidad if he wins the election.

Currently, this annual benefit is about 2,400 bolivianos and benefits elderly people. His populist proposal was presented as a solution to inflation. The event was part of a new attempt to regain political prominence.

Doria Medina tried to convince his supporters that the increase wouldn't generate debt for the State. He said it would be financed with a plan that will eliminate bureaucratic privileges. He called his proposal "The party is over" and promised to save more than 8,000 million bolivianos.

The announcement was made amid applause from supporters. However, he didn't offer concrete figures on how much the benefit would be increased.

Populist proposals

The politician also spoke about reforming the retirement system. He proposed setting a maximum retirement age of 70 years. He stated that this would open up opportunities for young people.

He later clarified that he doesn't want to change the minimum retirement age. He also said that those over 70 would continue contributing in an "adequate" manner.

The proposal was questioned by labor sectors on social media. Some warned that it could affect older workers.

Others pointed out that the speech contradicts what he indicated during the campaign, in which he tried to present himself as a liberal candidate. Despite this, he insisted that his proposal would be debated in Parliament.

The government program of his alliance had already anticipated these changes. In May, the "Comprehensive Adjustment Program" of the Unidad alliance was published. There, it proposes closing "useless" state-owned companies and curbing "waste."

However, the document also shows his socialist inclination, because it ensures that social benefits won't be touched. However, it also warns that their sustainability will depend on public savings.

The plan states that there are not as many resources as before. For this reason, it suggests redirecting already approved international loans. It says those funds would be used to create a Stabilization Fund.

It also proposes approaches with multilateral organizations. This way, it seeks to restore relations with those who were previously criticized.

Doria Medina insists that he knows how to organize the economy. He promises to restore fiscal balance without affecting the poorest.

However, his critics see in his promises a way to attract vulnerable votes. They denounce that he uses the benefit to attract senior citizens. They accuse him of offering solutions without a real guarantee of fulfillment.

False opposition

Some opposition sectors accuse him of dividing the opposition. They call him "false opposition" because of his role within the Socialist International. They claim that he plays in favor of the ruling party by fragmenting the vote.

They also point out that he previously made deals with incumbent governments. According to them, he seeks to weaken his rivals with populist promises.

Several analysts believe that his plan is unfeasible. They consider that there are no economic conditions to increase benefits.

They also say that his retirement reform proposal is confusing. They demand greater clarity about its fiscal impact. So far, he hasn't shown technical studies to support his offer.

Doria Medina's speech was also criticized by unions. For them, the proposal hides an intention to make work more precarious.

They denounce that making room for young people shouldn't mean forcing retirements. They question the attempt to set limits without social consensus. They ask for the debate to be based on data and not propaganda.

Political opportunism

On social media, several users rejected his proposal. They accuse him of playing with the needs of the elderly.

Some recalled that he previously claimed to oppose social benefits. They also pointed out that he promised stability but doesn't detail how to achieve it. They point out that he uses ambitious language without real substance.

Doria Medina continues his tour around the country.  He seeks to position himself as an alternative to MAS and other opposition blocs.

At his events, he promises efficiency and modernization of the State. However, his figure continues to be questioned because of his political record. Despite this, he insists that his alliance is the only serious option.

The increase in the Renta Dignidad appears to be his new electoral banner. He tries to show sensitivity to the plight of the elderly. However, for many, his promises are a desperate strategy.