Former leaders in Cyprus receive generous retirement benefits, including a state pension, a chauffeur-driven limousine, and a monthly allowance for secretarial services. These perks, costing taxpayers approximately €700,000 annually, have sparked controversy for their excessive nature and the contrast they create with the average citizen’s retirement benefits.
What are the retirement benefits for former leaders in Cyprus?
Former presidents and speakers in Cyprus receive a state pension, a chauffeur-driven limousine, and a €3,000 monthly allowance for secretarial services. Annually, this costs taxpayers around €700,000. These perks, deemed excessive by critics, are guaranteed regardless of the duration of their service.
The Cost of Comfort
In the sunny climes of Cyprus, a debate simmers over the perks afforded to former presidents and speakers of the House of Representatives. Since 1988, a law has been in place ensuring these high-ranking officials are not left wanting upon retirement. The privileges, which include a considerable state pension, a chauffeur-driven limousine, and an allowance for secretarial services, seem lavish to the average citizen. It’s the taxpayers who foot the bill for these luxuries, which, for five ex-officials, comes to a total of approximately €700,000 annually.
A closer look reveals that two-fifths of this sum is earmarked for the secretaries and vehicles, with the remainder paying for the drivers—off-duty policemen working in shifts. This practice raises eyebrows, not because it cripples the state’s finances—it doesn’t—but because it casts a light on how politicians reap rewards from their public service tenure. The contrast is stark when compared to average citizens, who must wait until the age of 65 to retire with a fraction of these benefits.
The Perks Post-Politics
The €3,000 monthly allowance given to former presidents for secretarial services has stirred controversy, labeled by some as “lawful theft.” These leaders, who represent virtue and service, often require these services merely for a few weeks each year, yet they collect an annual tax-free sum of €36,228. Similarly, the lifetime provision of a state car with chauffeur is seen as an excessive and unnecessary expense.
Annita Demetriou, current president of the House, would be entitled to these benefits for roughly four decades if she doesn’t serve a subsequent term. This begs the question of whether a five-year tenure justifies such state generosity. Marios Garoyian, having served as speaker for three years, has been availing of these perks for over a decade. This longevity of privilege prompts us to consider the proportional contribution to public life versus the extended rewards.
Legislative Action and Public Opinion
Volt Cyprus deputy Alexandra Attalides has taken the initiative to challenge these longstanding benefits. In a legislative move, Attalides introduced a bill that would cap these benefits at five years. Additionally, the bill proposes to lower the rate of the secretarial allowance and pay it directly to the secretary if such services are utilized.
The fate of this bill is uncertain, with precedence not on its side. A previous bill seeking the elimination of these perks, brought forth by then-deputy Giorgos Perdikis, has been languishing in the legislature for an extended period. The public watches with anticipation to see if the deputies will enact the change or maintain the status quo that seems to increasingly detach political figures from the realities of those they serve.
What are the retirement benefits for former leaders in Cyprus?
Former presidents and speakers in Cyprus receive a state pension, a chauffeur-driven limousine, and a €3,000 monthly allowance for secretarial services. Annually, this costs taxpayers around €700,000. These perks, deemed excessive by critics, are guaranteed regardless of the duration of their service.
How are these retirement benefits funded?
Taxpayers in Cyprus fund the retirement benefits for former leaders. The €700,000 annual cost covers expenses such as the state pension, the chauffeur-driven limousine, and the monthly allowance for secretarial services.
Why are these retirement benefits controversial?
The retirement benefits for former leaders in Cyprus have sparked controversy due to their excessive nature and the contrast they create with the retirement benefits of the average citizen. Critics argue that these benefits seem lavish and are not proportional to the duration of the leaders’ service. The public is concerned about the disconnect between political figures and the realities of the citizens they serve.
Is there any legislative action being taken to address these retirement benefits?
Volt Cyprus deputy Alexandra Attalides has introduced a bill that aims to cap the retirement benefits for former leaders at five years. The bill also proposes to lower the rate of the secretarial allowance and pay it directly to the secretary if the services are utilized. However, it is uncertain whether this bill will be enacted, as a previous bill seeking to eliminate these perks has been stagnant in the legislature. The public is eagerly watching to see if the deputies will bring about change or maintain the existing status quo.
