Greek government ends widowed pension cuts, restores 70% benefit

The Greek cabinet has repealed the Katrougkalos provision that would have reduced widowed pensions from 70% to 35% after three years. Under the new regulation the reduction is cancelled, beneficiaries will continue to receive the full 70% of the deceased’s pension without any retroactive repayment. Around 85,000 widowed pensioners who had not yet seen the cut will keep the higher amount, while roughly 8,500 who had already experienced the reduction will see their payments restored to 70%, effectively doubling their benefit. The law also preserves the entitlement of about 117,000 retirees who receive both a regular pension and a widowed pension, ensuring they continue to collect two national pensions. The change is presented as a correction of a decade‑long injustice and an affirmation of social solidarity.