Treasury highlights stable expense management
The implementation rate of development expenses from the state budget stood at 13 per cent at the end of April, slightly higher than the ten-year average of 12 per cent for the same period.
Social Insurance Fund
Republic to simplify widowhood pension process for Turkish Cypriots
Labour Minister Yannis Panagiotou discussed measures to support Turkish Cypriots, including the distribution of widowhood pensions to eligible spouses of Turkish Cypriots who contributed to the Social Insurance Fund. The Ministry of Labour is simplifying the application process by allowing married Turkish Cypriot contributors to submit a joint affidavit. Additionally, vocational training programs in Turkish are being offered between May and December 2024 to equip up to 1,000 Turkish Cypriots with green and digital skills.
Cyprus, ’ cash reserves to aid government amid global uncertainty
The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) released its annual report for 2023, stating that the robust cash reserves of the Republic of Cyprus are expected to support the government in addressing uncertainty in the global economy. The report highlighted that the strong cash position of Cyprus will help limit negative impacts on cost-risk indicators to moderate levels. Additionally, the reduction in debt in 2023 amounted to €740 million, mainly due to strong economic growth. The majority of Cyprus’ short-term debt is distributed over the period 2024-2028, with 2028 representing the year with the highest annual debt maturity concentration. The PDMO intends to issue at least one benchmark bond per year to cover the government’s financing needs. The surpluses of the Social Insurance Fund are invested in the government annually, with investments amounting to €10.61 billion at the end of 2023.
Government ramps up crackdown of undeclared work
– Around eight per cent of the workforce, or 40,000 people, are illegally employed in Cyprus, resulting in a loss of revenue to the social insurance fund of €10 million a year.
– The government has approved a plan to strengthen measures to combat undeclared work, including implementing a system of extra-judicial fines for employers.
– The fine for each instance of undeclared work will increase from €500 to €1,000 and will be doubled in the event of a future offence by the same employer.
– Authorities will increase the number of inspections to target specific work sites and times, and there will be increased coordinated inspections between different departments.
– The government will conduct an outreach campaign for third-country nationals legally in Cyprus who are not identified as legal workers.
– The government will investigate employers of undeclared workers for links to people-smugglers.
– Legislative changes will be submitted to the House, including the creation of a digital census of all employees and liability for main contractors and subcontractors in cases of undeclared work.
No need to raise retirement age says minister
The social insurance fund (SIF) in Cyprus is financially viable until at least the year 2080, based on an actuarial study outlined by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou. The study found that the fund’s revenues are sufficient to cover annual increases in spending on pensions, and the reserves of the SIF are at satisfactory levels. The analysis determined that it is not necessary to raise the retirement age until the next review in 2025. The International Labour Organisation recommended diversifying the SIF’s investment portfolio and gradually altering its investment policy. The review’s findings will serve as a baseline for the planned pension reform of 2025.
State pension fund reaching critical levels
The Fiscal Council has warned that state borrowing from the Social Insurance Fund has reached critical levels, with the government owing over €10 billion to the fund. This borrowing threatens public finances and could lead to pressure on the state budget. The Council suggests reducing the state’s debt to the fund and revising the investment policy to achieve higher returns. The study also recommends increasing the percentage of assets invested in non-government securities to diversify the portfolio.