题目选项分析

Two years ago, the government of Runagia increased by 20 percent the government-provided pensions paid to Runagians over 65. The aim of the increase was to stimulate the economy in the rural regions of the country, where most pension recipients live. Statistics, however, show that there has been no increase in economic activity in those regions since then, but that there has been noticeably more spending in the urban areas.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain why the increase resulted in the unintended state of affairs described?

【选项】The pensions were increased when the number of people below the poverty level in rural areas of Runagia reached an all-time high.