The problem of the ageing of the population of Cyprus was highlighted today by the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Study of the Demographic Problem. The decrease in the birth rate, the increase in life expectancy and the decrease in the ratio of workers to pensioners were the main issues highlighted by the discussion.
In his statements, the Chairman of the Committee, ELAM MP Linos Papagiannis described as particularly serious the problem of the ageing population and its connection with the Social Insurance Fund and the pension system.
He said that according to data submitted to the Commission, ages 0-14 are 16% of the population, while from 2017 onwards there is the very worrying phenomenon that ages over 65 have overtaken younger ages in percentage[/B] and are 16.3% of the population. He added the ages 15 to 64 which are considered to be the working ages are 67.7% of the population.
"Unfortunately we are seeing a trend that the average age of our compatriots is increasing. Unfortunately the population is declining and what the government of the day needs to do is to finally take steps to increase births with incentives so that this situation can be changed," he said.
He added that it is a European and global phenomenon, while he said that in Cyprus we have to be careful since a number of factors are leading the demography of the country to decline and increase at the same time other dangerous situations.
He also appealed to the government to take measures to prevent this phenomenon.
Asked about the possibility of using immigration to tackle the problem of the ageing population, 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 a response, and after informing the entire government if, as he said, the response is negative, then "we are doomed to experience the replenishment of the population" by citizens of other countries.
Asked about the birth subsidy measure, he said that they have informed the Ministry of Labor dozens of times and are waiting for a response, and after informing the entire government if, as he said, the response is negative, then "we are doomed to experience the replenishment of the population" by citizens of other countries.
DISY MP Prodromos Alabritis said that the aging of the population is due to two factors, firstly the increase in life expectancy and secondly the decrease in fertility.
Today he added the ratio of workers to pensioners is 3 to 1 and is expected to become 2 workers to 1 pensioner in the coming years.
The solution, he said, can come through an integrated policy, which will support not only an increase in births but also an extension of working life and an increase in the number of workers. He added that increasing births can be achieved through targeted measures. In this regard, he added, the Commission has prepared some recommendations which will be submitted to the relevant ministries, while the completion of the government's strategy through the Demographic Policy Body is expected.
At the same time, he said that undeclared work should be stamped out, incentives should be given to reintegrate the unemployed into the labour market, while he noted that the aim should be to extend working life through incentives so that older workers remain longer in employment.
DPA-Cooperation MP Alekos Tryfonidis said that declining birth rates and the increase in the ageing population is a time bomb for Cypriot Hellenism. He called for a comprehensive strategy to increase births by increasing maternity benefits, while at the same time, he said, there should be an increase in nurseries, all-day schools and a comprehensive housing policy.
He also said that they were presented with a plan to reform the pension system, which, apart from its digitisation, plans to submit a proposal to Parliament in 2023 to increase the retirement age to 67. He also welcomed the reform being promoted in the administration of benefits with digitalization, simplification and shortening and better use of human resources to give benefits in a shorter time.
Source: CNA
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