Labor Minister Niki Kerameus on Thursday announced legislation that seeks to abolish reductions to survivor pensions introduced during Greece’s economic crisis.
Speaking in Parliament, Kerameus said the bill would permanently repeal a provision in a 2016 pension reform allowing a 50% reduction in survivor benefits three years after payments begin. The legislation, expected to be submitted in the coming weeks, would allow beneficiaries to continue receiving the higher amount.
Under the so-called “Katrougalos Law,” named after then labor minister Giorgos Katrougalos, a surviving spouse recieves 70% of the deceased’s pension for the first three years, after which the amount can be reduced (often to 35%) if the surviving spouse is employed, self-employed or receiving another pension.
According to Kerameus, recipients whose pensions have not yet been reduced would also be exempt from repaying any retroactive sums linked to the unimplemented cuts. Those whose benefits have already been reduced would see them restored to 70%.
The new bill would also preserve payment of two national pensions in cases where recipients qualify under separate legal entitlements, including survivor pensions, Kerameus said.
