christodoulides pension — christodoulides pension — President Nikos Christodoulides has taken a significant step by announcing that he will donate his state pension to charity. His decision comes amidst public scrutiny regarding state officials drawing pensions while serving in office.
The presidency’s statement revealed that Christodoulides will contribute his monthly pension of €730 to charitable organisations dedicated to elderly care throughout his term. This pension stems from his 18 years of service in the public sector, particularly during his time at the foreign ministry.
In selecting beneficiaries, the president contacted six organisations across various districts, including two facilities in Nicosia, and one each in Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos. This initiative is made possible by a recent law that allows state officials to waive their pension while serving in their roles.
“For every year, from September to September, and for as long as he holds the office of the president, President Christodoulides will provide various institutions with this monthly compensation,” the statement noted. The law, enacted in July, aims to clarify the process for officials who wish to forgo their pensions.
Historically, state officials had the option to waive their pensions through a simple notification to the treasury, but recent debates have brought the issue to the forefront. Critics have expressed concern that Christodoulides had not previously waived his pension like other officials, prompting this change in approach.
In addressing the controversy, the president stated that he prefers to keep charitable actions private, citing a personal conviction against publicising such efforts. However, he acknowledged the public discourse surrounding his pension and felt it necessary to inform citizens of his charitable contributions.
Amidst this backdrop, the government faced criticism for its handling of the pension waiver procedure. In late July, reports indicated inconsistencies in statements regarding the existence of a waiver process, leading to further scrutiny of the administration’s transparency.
Christodoulides, who is currently 51, receives a monthly net salary of €9,016. Upon reaching the age of 58, he will also be eligible for an additional €300 in pension benefits for his prior public service.