Newsroom
Cypriot lawmakers have finally taken steps to curb the controversial practice of multiple pensions for state officials, but not just yet. In a move that affects only future officeholders, Parliament passed a series of bills aimed at fixing a system that many taxpayers see as unfair and outdated.
Under the new rules, which come into effect on June 1, 2026, no new pensions will be paid out to government officials who take on another role in the state or EU. The pension age will also be set at 65, and a cap will be placed on multiple pensions so that payouts don’t exceed two-thirds of the highest eligible amount. These changes will apply to ministers, MPs, mayors, and members of key state commissions.
The idea is simple: end the gravy train of overlapping pensions and ensure public funds are used more responsibly. But there’s a catch: none of these measures apply to current officials, many of whom continue to draw more than one state pension while still in office.
The only exception? A new provision that allows current officials to voluntarily give up their pensions while they hold office. But that’s exactly what it is: voluntary.
The reforms were backed by most major parties, including DISY, AKEL, DIKO, ELAM, and the Greens. Only one MP voted against the changes, while EDEK and DIPA abstained.
For the average taxpayer, the message is clear: relief is on the way, but not for at least another year, and even then, it won’t claw back the millions already being paid out in overlapping pensions. Critics argue that if the system is broken now, why wait to fix it?
