The Cyprus Elderly Observatory says it has found significant common ground with Labour and Social Insurance Minister Marinos Mousiouttas following a meeting focused on pension reform, demographic challenges and long-term care.
In a statement, the Observatory described the meeting as having taken place in a "particularly positive climate", with both sides agreeing to establish close and ongoing cooperation as the government advances plans for a major overhaul of the pension system.
The Observatory delegation included Executive President Demos Antoniou and Senior Officer Maria Peter.
Focus on demographic challenges
According to the Observatory, Antoniou briefed the minister on demographic trends highlighted by the World Health Organization and the European Union, particularly the growing old-age dependency ratio.
He warned that the ageing population is expected to have significant economic and social consequences for Cyprus in the coming decades.
Long-term care highlighted
Antoniou also raised what he described as the critical issue of long-term care, stressing the need for cooperation between relevant ministries to ensure older people can continue living in their own homes with dignity.
He further informed the minister about the Observatory's participation in the First Intergovernmental Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons at the United Nations in Geneva and its broader involvement in promoting and protecting the rights of older people.
Government committed to reform
For his part, Mousiouttas reiterated the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
"As the President of the Republic has stated, we are moving forward with the largest pension reform in our country since 1980," he said.
The minister said the reform goes beyond financial calculations and reflects what he described as the government's social priorities.
"We are correcting distortions that have existed for decades, supporting our pensioners, particularly low-income pensioners, and institutionally recognising the contribution of informal carers and mothers," he said.
Mousiouttas added that, as Cyprus faces an ageing population and increasing demand for active, healthy and dignified ageing policies, the Elderly Observatory represents a key institutional partner for the state.
January 2027 implementation target
The minister said both sides had agreed to maintain close cooperation with the aim of implementing the pension reform package on 1 January 2027.
According to him, the reform is intended to provide greater security and dignity for citizens as the country adapts to demographic change.
Observatory welcomes direction of reforms
Executive President Demos Antoniou expressed satisfaction with the consultation process and voiced support for the government's approach.
"The government's initiatives are clearly moving in the right direction, laying the foundations for a framework of social justice that responds to the real needs of current and future older persons," he said.
Antoniou added that the Observatory would continue to place its expertise at the state's disposal and work with government authorities to help create a modern and sustainable support framework for older people in Cyprus.
Source: CNA
