Nicosia, Cyprus. The government said on Tuesday that welfare services are being restructured to better respond to people’s needs, while skeptical MPs told a House labour committee session that the results would be the real test.
Government outlines welfare changes
Briefing the committee, Deputy Social Welfare Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina said there is an ongoing effort to boost social cohesion, protect vulnerable groups and build a society of equal opportunity, inclusion and solidarity.
She said the social welfare services are being restructured to become more modern and effective.
Legislation and digital transition
Hadjistefanou-Papaellina referred to bills being advanced concerning children under the custody and care of the social welfare services, a new adoptions law, and a new legislative framework governing the operation of nurseries, children’s carers and child protection services.
She also said the welfare benefits department is being strengthened and is transitioning to digital technology.
Disability policy measures
The deputy minister highlighted a law passed this year on the inclusion and independent living of people with disabilities, describing it as a historic reform that changes the approach to the rights of disabled people.
She said the government is also seeking to improve disability assessment processes and expand employment opportunities and social integration.
Government commitment and opposition response
Speaking to the media afterward, Hadjistefanou-Papaellina said the Christodoulides administration and the deputy ministry of social welfare remain committed to implementing their commitments with the aim of creating a modern, effective and people-centred social protection system that ensures no one is left behind.
Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas said lawmakers were waiting to see the outcome of the restructuring of the welfare services, adding that the issue has been under study since 2019.
