The gathering of retired military personnel rejected a leaked draft decree proposed by News 24, which suggests granting retirees three additional pensions. They consider this an affront to their sacrifices over many years spent serving the nation, including fallen and living heroes. The gathering emphasized its demands outlined in the previous statement, which alone can secure justice and a minimum standard of decent living, summarized as follows:
- A unified percentage based on the actual value of salaries before 2019 for the entire public sector.
- The cancellation of all increases, allowances, and funds granted to specific categories of public sector employees.
- The increase should not be less than ensuring a minimum standard of decent living for lower ranks and categories.
- Approval of a sustainable, phased salary and wage correction plan in line with the state's revenue developments, ensuring monetary stability.
- A portion of the increase should be incorporated into the salary base to preserve the employee's right to fair retirement compensation.
- A plan with retroactive effect to correct the value of pensions based on a fair exchange rate for the US dollar.
The gathering considered the Cabinet's failure to discuss the project submitted by them as a shortcoming by the authority and a disrespectful denial of the sacrifices made by retired military personnel, paving the way for them to become either beggars or criminals. The statement concluded: "Accordingly, the gathering reaffirms its decision to confront the government and considers that all previously avoided options have now become legitimate. It calls on retired military personnel to be ready to mobilize on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Lastly, we express our gratitude to everyone who participated in today's movement and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The gathering will not hesitate to make all necessary sacrifices in the battle to restore the dignity of retired military personnel if needed."
