Greece announces new pension regulations for local government officials

Labor and Social Security Minister Niki Kerameus has announced new regulations aimed at resolving long-standing pension issues for elected local government officials. Speaking at the annual conference of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), Kerameus stated that these provisions are included in a new Ministry of Labor bill currently under public consultation.

The new rules expand pension rights to include former prefects and regional governors, in addition to mayors and community presidents. Service time as a prefectural or regional councilor will also be counted toward pension eligibility.

The legislation clarifies the status of officials who retired from the public sector prior to the 2016 law. Those who held dual roles in the public sector, including an elected local position, will be able to receive pensions for their elected tenure provided contributions were made. Furthermore, individuals retiring under the 2016 law with dual public sector insurance may be eligible for either an increased pension based on combined earnings or two separate pensions, if an independent second pension right is established. The bill also includes rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the labor market.