A bill discussed at the House labour committee on Tuesday would change pensions given to widowers and see them brought in line with those given to widows.

It was submitted by independent socialist MP Kostis Efstathiou.

Akel MP and committee chair Andreas Kafkalias said the current division between widowers who receive a pension and those who do not violates equality principles and represents a clear case of discrimination.

Kafkalias explained that while the government has not outright rejected the issue, it has consistently deferred it, linking it to broader pension reforms and postponing its resolution.

He also highlighted that the current law allows widowers whose spouses died before January 1, 2018, to receive a pension, while those whose spouses died after that date are excluded.

Kafkalias criticised the government’s argument that high costs justify maintaining this disparity, adding that equality should not be compromised based on financial considerations.

“This discrimination cannot be accepted,” Kafkalias said. “In a democracy, equality must be guaranteed, regardless of cost. The government must acknowledge this reality and provide widowers with pension rights, irrespective of when their spouses passed away.”

When asked about the potential vote on Efstathiou’s proposal in the House plenary, Kafkalias said it would be discussed with Efstathiou and relevant officials, including the finance minister, in upcoming budget talks in two weeks.