Greece Eliminates 3-Year Cut to Widow’s Pensions

The Greek Parliament voted Tuesday to eliminate a three-year reduction to widow’s pensions imposed by a 2016 law. The change affects pensioners under Law 4387/2016, often referred to as the Tsipras-Katroungalos Law. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Niki Kerameus stated the measure corrects a ten-year injustice impacting thousands of families.

The reform aims to address distortions created by the previous law by restoring full pension payments based on original entitlement percentages. Those who experienced the reduction from 70% to 35% will see their pensions immediately revert to the higher rate. The government funded the change through revenue generated by the Digital Work Card and increased employment.

The new legislation includes four key changes. It doubles pension payments, forgives debts for 75,000 recipients, protects 122,000 dual pensioners from cuts, and increases benefits for orphaned children. The government anticipates the changes will enhance financial security for families who have lost a loved one.