18 Oct 2017

New Caledonia pensioners rally about high cost of living

6:24 pm on 18 October 2017

Hundreds of pensioners have rallied outside New Caledonia's Congress to protest against the high cost of living.

The New Caledonia congress.

The New Caledonia congress. Photo: AFP

They fear for their pensions and want rebates to help defray costs.

About 400 people, representing five organisations, gathered in Noumea to remind politicians of their problems which they say are being ignored.

The pensioners wanted price concessions on transport and utilities to cope with the cost of living.

They said they were also concerned about the long-term viability of the local pension fund.

They were received by the Congress president Thierry Santa who said committees would have to be set up to deal with their grievances.

A spokesperson at the rally said if nothing happens within the next three weeks, there will be another rally, possibly outside the seat of government.