KUWAIT CITY, March 16:  The Cabinet affirmed on Saturday that its decision to reduce exceptional pensions is driven by the state's commitment to achieving social justice and ensuring the rationalization of public spending. The aim is to fairly serve beneficiaries of Article 80 of the Social Security Law.

In a statement, the Cabinet explained that the decision follows a comprehensive review of budget inefficiencies and the need to streamline public spending. The review focuses on applying the principles of fairness and justice among individuals subject to the social security system, particularly those covered by Article 80, which grants the Cabinet the authority to provide exceptional pensions and bonuses. These exceptional pensions were originally intended to offer targeted support in limited, well-justified humanitarian cases.

However, the statement noted that the application of Article 80 had expanded beyond its original purpose. The increase in exceptional pensions, which were granted in large and varying amounts, had a significant financial impact on the public treasury. This expansion led to a breach of equality among beneficiaries of the social security system and deviated from the law’s intended goal.

As a result, the Cabinet stressed the necessity of reconsidering these decisions due to their consequences. While acknowledging the importance of the social security system in providing support for society, the statement emphasized that abolishing Article 80 entirely would contradict the fundamental objectives of the system, which aims to provide pensions to members of society whenever possible for the benefit of the community.