State benefits

Legality of deputy ministries may be taken to court

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Legality of deputy ministries may be taken to court

– Lawyer Christos Clerides intends to bring the legality of deputy ministries in Cyprus to court.
– The President does not have the power to appoint deputy ministers according to the constitution.
– There are currently six deputy ministries in Cyprus, with plans for a seventh focusing on migration.
– Non-governmental organization Kisa’s executive director Doros Polykarpou questions the constitutionality of creating a new deputy ministry.
– Polykarpou argues that deputy ministries do not have voting power at cabinet meetings and may not improve government productivity.

People over 60 in Cyprus feel insecure, lonely and afraid, survey finds

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People over 60 in Cyprus feel insecure, lonely and afraid, survey finds

Around 42% of people over 60 years old feel lonely, with 30% citing low pensions as a major issue. Women and the elderly, especially those over 80, experience more fear and insecurity. The study showed that individuals aged 60-69 spend a lot of time with their grandchildren. The research also revealed that most elderly people watch television and go to church. Additionally, 61% of retirees in Cyprus live in their own homes, and 46% believe their income is enough to meet their needs. The study also highlighted the need for more activity centers, state support, and increased pensions for retirees.

Our View: , ‘Human-centred’ measures merely a distraction from bad news

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Our View: , ‘Human-centred’ measures merely a distraction from bad news

The fact described in the text is that the government of Christodoulides in Cyprus introduced offsetting measures to counter the increase in the price of fuel, including extending the electricity bill subsidy and zero VAT on basic household items.

Minister to deal , ‘aggressively’ with illegal work

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Minister to deal , ‘aggressively’ with illegal work

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou of Cyprus announced plans to address illegal employment through increased workplace inspections and an electronic census of workers. The government aims to improve the categorization of self-employed individuals for social insurance, enhance work conditions, align with EU directives on minimum wages, and support working parents with state benefits and timely maternity pay. Efforts will also focus on raising local employment rates, attracting workers from the EU and EEA, and signing agreements with third countries for medium and low-skilled workers. Panayiotou highlighted past achievements, including raising the minimum wage, improving the cost-of-living allowance, ensuring timely pension and unemployment benefit payments, and extending maternity leave for new mothers.

Our View: Ending lifetime state benefits is the correct call

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Our View: Ending lifetime state benefits is the correct call

House Speaker Annita Demetriou publicly supported a bill to end lifetime benefits for former presidents and House speakers in Cyprus. The proposed legislation would terminate provisions such as a state limousine, police chauffeurs, and a secretarial allowance until death. Independent deputy Alexandra Attalides suggested that these benefits should last for only five years after an official leaves their position. The Green party advocated for complete abolition of these benefits. If unchanged, Demetriou, at the end of her term at age 41, would receive a state car with chauffeur and a €3,000 monthly allowance for life, potentially another 40 years. The cost of these benefits for two former presidents and three former speakers is about €700,000 a year, separate from their state pensions, which for a former president is around €8,000 per month. The audit office provided these figures. During the ethics committee discussion, the under-secretary to the president, Irini Piki, opposed abolishing the benefits. The secretarial allowance is not taxed and is given even if a secretary is not employed.