Greek pensioners among the worst off in the EU, study shows

·

Contrary to the widespread belief that Greek pensioners enjoy more favorable retirement conditions than their European counterparts, data from the E-Governance in Social Insurance (IDIKA), Greece’s social security aggregator, reveals that they are among the oldest retirees in Europe, tovima.com, has reported.

An analysis by the Union for the Defense of Labor and the Welfare State (ENYPEKK-Greece standing up), led by social security expert Alexis Mitropoulos, found that eight out of ten Greek pensioners are over the age of 65. Nearly two million out of a total of 2.497 million retirees, including disability pension recipients, fall into this category.

The majority of Greek retirees (60%) are over 71, with a median gross pension of €882 before taxes and deductions.

Only 5% of pensioners are under 50—about 115,000 individuals, primarily receiving widowhood and disability pensions. Those between 55 and 60 make up just 4.4% of the total.

“The official data from the Ministry of Labor refute those who, in recent years, falsely claimed (to justify pension cuts and raise retirement ages) that Greeks retire significantly earlier than other Europeans,” stressed Alexis Mitropoulos, professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and president of ENYPEKK.

Women, who already earn lower wages than men in Greece, are the most affected. The gender pay gap stands at 10%, rising to 15% in the private sector, where women earn just 85% of men’s salaries.

Similarly, the IDIKA report highlights that male retirees in the old-age category outnumber female retirees and receive higher pensions. According to the latest Eurostat data, Greece’s gender pension gap reaches 24%.

Source: tovima.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

Meet the Greek sisters behind Adora: A 30-year legacy of handmade chocolate and heart

If you’re looking for a new spot in Sydney to satisfy your sweet cravings, Adora Handmade Chocolates is the place to be.

Young artists shine in ‘First Light’ exhibition at opening of That Art Place in Carlton

More than 65 young artists from the St George area in Sydney had their creative moment in the spotlight on Saturday, July 12.

Peter Tsolakides leads Australia’s first cryonics facility amid scientific doubts

Peter Tsolakides, founder of Southern Cryonics, is leading Australia's venture into cryonic preservation with a facility near Holbrook, NSW.

Kazzi Beach Greek owner Peter Papas criticises proposed RBA surcharge ban

Sydney restaurateur Peter Papas has raised concerns over the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposal to ban credit and debit card surcharges.

You May Also Like

Melbourne lecture to focus on Asia Minor Campaign and fate of returned soldiers

The Greek Community of Melbourne has announced an interesting lecture by Dr Dimitris Kamouzis, a researcher and authority on Greek history. 

Melina Mercouri exhibition goes on display in Elefsina

Melina Mercouri, Greece's longest serving Culture minister, has been honoured with an exhibition in Elefsina, the European Capital of Culture.

Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas denies all wrongdoing at ICAC hearing

Embattled Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas has denied all wrongdoing at an ICAC hearing about corruption allegations against him.