The Future of the FONAVI Returns: Challenges Ahead
In a recent interview with Luis Luzuriaga, the President of the Ad Hoc Commission of the FONAVI, he shared critical insights about the future of reimbursement processes for the approximately 930,000 fonavistas who await payments. As a representative of the National Federation Association of Fonavistas and Pensioners of Peru (Fenaf Peru), Luzuriaga expressed concerns over potential resource shortages that could jeopardize future reimbursements.
Luzuriaga highlighted that “we have nothing for 2026,” necessitating immediate action from the Peruvian Congress to allocate necessary funds. He articulated that the Constitutional Court has consistently acknowledged the state’s public debt to the fonavistas, but without Congressional support, fulfilling this obligation remains uncertain.
Critical Funding Gaps for 2026
The financial requirement for 2026 reimbursement activities amounts to S/3.5 billion, a figure crucial for covering the outstanding debts owed to the fonavistas. “We are not merely asking for money to cover contingencies; this is a state obligation amounting to nearly S/10 billion when updated to 2003,” Luzuriaga clarified, emphasizing that these funds should be treated as a governmental liability rather than an optional expenditure.
This dire situation paints a grim picture for the fonavistas, as many are already suffering from financial hardships. The FONAVI represents a significant source of financial relief for these individuals, many of whom are elderly and in need of reliable income sources.
Current and Upcoming Payment Plans
Luzuriaga also addressed the imminent payment of Reimbursement 4 and pointed out that they currently possess S/600 million allocated towards this. This financial provision will aid the reimbursement of approximately 73,000 fonavistas in mid-August 2023, which includes 60,000 living fonavistas aged over 68 and 13,000 deceased fonavistas for whom heirs may claim compensation.
According to Luzuriaga, the funds will help deliver payments between July 22 and August 5, ensuring that the necessary approvals and transfers to the Bank of the Nation occur smoothly and on schedule.
Legislative Roadblocks ahead
A significant challenge remains concerning the 200,000 fonavistas who have been excluded from benefit payments due to existing loan agreements with the Materials Bank. Luzuriaga anticipates that legislation to amend this situation is underway, emphasizing the need for continuous advocacy to ensure that all fonavistas receive their rightful payments.
As the budgetary deadlines approach, the urgency for government action becomes more pronounced. Without the necessary allocation of S/3.5 billion for 2026, both Reimbursement 4 and List 22 could represent the final financial distributions under the FONAVI program.
While the current political landscape appears tumultuous, the stakes are notably high for the thousands of elderly individuals relying on these expected payments for their daily survival. Luzuriaga’s clarion call for accountability from the government serves as a reminder that the situation is not merely administrative but profoundly personal for many.
In this context, it becomes increasingly important for the government to recognize its responsibilities and ensure that the promised funds reach the deserving fonavistas, allowing them to secure their livelihoods without further financial strain.