In the extensive preparation that was made in the previous months for the pension reform, the Minister of Labor and Social Insurance Yiannis Panagiotou mentioned, in his greeting at an anniversary event, held on Monday, at the Presidential Palace, for the completion of 60 years of universal social security, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis.
He added that in view of the impending reform of the pension system, collective responsibility is essential for the successful transition from the sixties that have ended to the sixties that are about to begin.
He noted that the role of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance is pivotal in the preparation and implementation of the pension reform and expressed confidence that with the support of the International Labor Organization, the cooperation of social partners, the contribution of political forces and the experience of executives of the Social Insurance Services, this will manage to meet this historic responsibility effectively.
As he said, during the previous months, extensive preparatory work was carried out for the actuarial and technological preparation, while, in cooperation with the social partners, a great effort was made to create the appropriate conditions for the official start of the reform process.
In this context, he referred to the safeguarding of labor peace through the renewal of the large collective agreements with a long-term horizon until the end of this government term, to the gradual approach to the goal of creating full employment conditions expected to be achieved within 2025, to significant upgrading of the possibilities of dealing with undeclared and indicated work and the substantial improvement of the response to the citizens.
"I am optimistic about the success of the preparation and implementation of the pension reform, which is a government priority, and I believe that we will collectively manage to look worthy of our predecessors," he said.
It was specifically mentioned in the speech in 1964 by the then Minister of Labor and Social Insurance, Tassos Papadopoulos, in the House of Representatives for the acceptance of the bill for universal social insurance, which had highlighted the excellent relations of employers, workers and the Government in Cyprus.
"The sixty-year course from 1964 to 2024 confirms that the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) is the strongest social institution of our country, which evolves and develops over time through collective responsibility, the cooperation of social partners and the understanding of political forces ", he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Panagiotou stated that the completion of 60 years of universal social security is the most important social anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.
He added that the universality of the payment of insurance contributions to protect the income of workers and ensure the dignified living of the elderly, institutionalized the welfare state based on social solidarity and aimed at social cohesion.
In the context of the event, the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulidis presented an honorary plaque to the Head of Consulting Services and the Actuarial Unit of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Andre Picard.
In turn, Mr. Picard handed the President a framed copy of the original ILO report presented to the Cyprus Government in 1960. "This document," he explained, "laid the foundations for social protection in Cyprus."
He added that this will be a reminder not only of the universality of social security systems since 1954, but also of the long-standing cooperation between the ILO and Cyprus.
Mr. Picard also referred to the achievement of completing 60 years of universal social security in Cyprus.
"This is not only a major achievement. It is a powerful testimony of solidarity, justice and a lasting commitment to social justice in Cyprus."
He also referred to the long-standing partnership between the IOC and Cyprus, a partnership that began more than fifty years ago.
"I extend my deepest congratulations to the government and people of Cyprus for this remarkable achievement. Let us celebrate the progress we have made but, most importantly, let us renew our commitment to make social protection a universal right, one that will support all people, everywhere," he concluded.
Then the Director of the Department of Postal Services Sofronis Tsiartas presented the anniversary stamp released on October 9, 2024 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of universal social security. 55.000 stamps worth 41 cents each and 3.500 envelopes worth 80 cents each have been released. The stamp was designed and crafted by Theodoros Kakoullis.
The event also featured a documentary by RIK and journalist Aimilis Michael about the 60 years of universality of the Social Insurance Fund.
Source: KYPE
