The Minister of Labor identified pension increases—with an emphasis on the lowest pensions—as well as a reduction in the 12% cut to the pensions of those who choose early retirement at age 63, as part of the upcoming pension reform, were identified as key priorities by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marinos Mousiouttas, as key priorities during his meeting with representatives of the Social Welfare Committee of the House of Elders.
The meeting took place on July 6, through the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinating Council (PSSE), led by its President, Ilias Dimitriou, as part of a dialogue on issues affecting the quality of life of the elderly.
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In a statement released today, the PSSE reports that during the meeting, the Committee raised a series of demands that fall within the purview of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, including an increase in pensions and the poverty line, the elimination of the 12% cut in pensions for those retiring at age 63, the extension of the widow’s pension to men, the enhancement of digital skills among the elderly, the implementation of the Social Card, and the continuation of the Vacation Subsidy Program for low-income pensioners.
According to the announcement, Mr. Mousiouttas emphasized that the pension reform currently under consideration aims to increase pensions, with a particular focus on low-income pensioners.
Regarding the 12% reduction in cases of early retirement, he noted that plans are in place to revise this downward, in conjunction with the introduction of additional criteria.
As for the widow’s pension for men and the extension of eligibility to all widowers, including those affected by the reference date of January 1, 2018, the Minister of Labor cited significant fiscal challenges due to the high cost of implementing such a measure.
Regarding the issue of digital transactions by older adults, he noted that relevant training programs are continuing through the Productivity Centers (KEPAs) and the Human Resources Development Authority (ANAD), while regarding the Social Card, he noted that there is an intention to resolve the issues that have arisen in order to ensure its smooth implementation.
Referring to the Vacation Subsidy Program for low-income retirees, the Minister stated that savings generated by the Ministry are being used to fund the program.
In a statement, the Social Welfare Committee of the House of Elders and the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteerism welcomed the Minister’s positive stance and his intention to promote measures that will contributeto improving the quality of life for the elderly and addressing the challenges they face.
Source: CNA
