Nicosia, Cyprus. The government will submit its pension reform bill to the House of Representatives on September 20 regardless of whether an agreement is reached with social partners, Labour and Social Insurance Minister Marinos Mousiouttas said on Wednesday. The reform package is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Government timetable
Speaking at an event organised by the Achilleas Kaimakli sports association on the future of the Social Insurance Fund and pension reform, Mousiouttas described the overhaul of the first pillar of the pension system as “the most important and emblematic priority” of the government for 2026 and “a conscious act of social justice”.
He said the legislation would be submitted to parliament in September even if no final agreement is reached beforehand, so that discussions can begin with the legislative branch, which he said has the final say.
Consultations with political parties
Mousiouttas said he would soon begin a round of meetings with parliamentary parties to explain the technical aspects of the proposed legislation, with the support of the government’s actuary.
He said the aim was for political parties to fully understand the advantages, disadvantages and implications of the reform package before the legislation is formally tabled in September.
Dialogue with social partners
The minister said it would be preferable for social partners to reach broad agreement before discussions begin in parliament.
He said it would be better if social partners agree, or at least reach consensus on most issues, so that the matter can be discussed with parliamentary parties with one voice. He added that if this does not happen, the government will proceed and all sides will have to assume their responsibilities.
Areas of agreement and difference
Regarding the ongoing dialogue with employers and trade unions, Mousiouttas said there was broad agreement that the current system required reform.
He said all sides agree that the system needs to change, while differences concern how much will be given and to whom.