Meeting of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory with the Minister of Labour

Convergence of views and constructive dialogue at a meeting between the Cyprus Third Age Observatory and the Minister of Labour on Pension Reform and Ageing Issues.

A working meeting between the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, and a delegation from the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, comprising Executive President Demos Antoniou and Senior Officer Maria Peter, took place in an exceptionally positive atmosphere, reaffirming the Observatory's role as a key state partner on issues of ageing, longevity, and social protection. As part of this constructive dialogue, the Minister provided the Observatory with a detailed overview of the core parameters of the Government's proposal, and both parties agreed to launch a close, ongoing collaboration.

Mr Antoniou briefed the Minister on demographic trends highlighted by the World Health Organisation and the European Union, including the alarming rise in the old-age dependency ratio, which will significantly impact Cyprus's economy and society in the coming decades. Additionally, Mr Antoniou raised the critical issue of long-term care and the need for inter-ministerial cooperation to enable older adults to age in place with dignity. He also informed the Minister about the Observatory's participation in the 1st Intergovernmental Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons at the United Nations in Geneva, as well as its active involvement in safeguarding the human rights of older people.

For his part, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Moushouttas emphasised the Government's commitment to vulnerable groups, stating:

"As the President of the Republic has announced, we are moving forward with the largest pension reform in our country since 1980. This reform is not merely about numbers; it reflects the deeply social character of our administration. We are correcting decades-old distortions, supporting our pensioners with an emphasis on low-income retirees, and formally recognising the contributions of informal caregivers and mothers. At this historic turning point, as Cyprus ages and must develop programs for active, healthy, and dignified ageing, the Cyprus Third Age Observatory stands as a leading, specialised, and key institutional partner for the State. We have agreed to move forward in close collaboration so that the reform takes effect on January 1, 2027, delivering security and dignity to every citizen".

Echoing these sentiments, the Executive President of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, Demos Antoniou, expressed complete satisfaction with the level of consultation:

"The Government's initiatives are clearly moving in the right direction, laying the foundation for a framework of social justice that responds to the genuine needs of current and future older adults. The Observatory will continue to make its expertise available to the State. Working hand in hand through close cooperation, we are creating the conditions to make a modern and sustainable support framework for older people in Cyprus a reality".