The problem of the aging population of Cyprus was highlighted today by the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee for the study of the Demographic Problem. Reducing births, increasing life expectancy and reducing the ratio of employees to retirees were the main topics of discussion.
In his statements, the Chairman of the Committee, MP of ELAM Linos Papagiannis characterized as particularly serious the problem of the aging of the population and its connection with the Social Insurance Fund and the pension. He stated that according to data submitted to the Commission, the ages 0-14 are 16% of the population, while from 2017 onwards there is a very worrying phenomenon, the ages over 65 have exceeded the younger ages and are 16,3 , 15% of the population. Added the ages from 64 to 67,7 which are considered to be the working ages are XNUMX% of the population.
"Unfortunately, we see a tendency for the average age of our compatriots to increase. "Unfortunately, the population is declining and what the government needs to do is finally take steps to increase the birth rate with the incentives it will give so that this situation can change."
He added that it is a European and global phenomenon, while as he said in Cyprus we must be careful since a number of factors lead the demographics of the place to decrease and increase at the same time other dangerous situations, as he said.
He also called on the government to take steps to prevent this.
Asked about the possibility of using immigration to address the problem of population aging, Mr. Papagiannis said that this is a very dangerous path, tragic and wrong.
Asked about the birth subsidy measure, he said that they have informed the Ministry of Labor dozens of times and are waiting for an answer, while after informing the entire Government if the answer is negative, then "we are doomed to experience the replenishment of the population" by citizens of other countries.
DISY MP Prodromos Alampritis stated that the aging of the population is due to two factors, first in the increase of life expectancy but also in the decrease of fertility.
Today he added the ratio of employees in relation to retirees is 3 to 1 and is expected to become 2 employees to 1 retiree in the coming years.
The solution, he said, can come through an integrated policy, which will support the increase of births but also the extension of professional life and the increase of employees. He added that the increase in births can be achieved through targeted measures. In this context, he added, the Commission has prepared some suggestions which will be submitted to the competent ministries, while the completion of the government's strategy is expected through the Demographic Policy Body.
At the same time, he said that undeclared work should be combated, incentives should be given for the reintegration of the unemployed into the labor market, while he noted that the goal should be to expand working life through incentives so that older workers remain more employed.
DIPA-Cooperation MP Alekos Tryfonidis said that the decrease in births and the increase in the aging of the population is a time bomb for the Cypriot Hellenism. He called for a comprehensive strategy to increase births with increasing maternity benefits, while at the same time, he said, there should be an increase in nurseries, all-day schools and an integrated housing policy.
He also mentioned that they were presented with the pension reform plan that, in addition to its digitization, plans in 2023 to submit a proposal to Parliament to increase the retirement age to 67 years. He also welcomed the reform promoted in the management of benefits by digitizing, simplifying and shortening and better utilization of human resources to give benefits in a shorter period of time.