Nicosia, Cyprus. Increasing the lowest pensions and reducing the pension cut for early retirement were the main issues discussed by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas in a meeting with the House of Elders, according to an announcement issued on Tuesday.
Meeting on elders’ quality of life
The meeting formed part of an ongoing dialogue on the quality of life of elders in Cyprus and was facilitated by the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordination Council. The PSSE said Mousiouttas was generally receptive to the main points raised.
Support for pension changes
According to the PSSE, Mousiouttas said he supports pension increases, with particular emphasis on better support for low-income pensioners.
He also said there are plans to reduce the 12 per cent cut in pensions for people who retire early at 63, with additional criteria to be introduced.
Other issues discussed
Mousiouttas was less supportive of extending the widow’s pension to men, saying the cost of implementing such a measure would be high.
On assistance for elderly people with digital skills and the Holiday Grant for low-income pensioners, he said efforts in those areas are ongoing and would continue.