Article 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus provides that every citizen has the right to "social security and a decent existence". This provision was set into practice with the pension reform of 1964 which rendered the social insurance system universal for all workers in the country.

The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance characteristically stated the following while addressing the members of the House of Representatives during the presentation of the Social Insurance Bill in March 1964:

"We can justifiably take pride and satisfaction in the bill that will be voted upon. This is a modern and balanced legislative act which incorporates all the newer and progressive bases of similar schemes. [...] The recommendations have been examined by the Joint Social Insurance Consultative Body, which includes workers' associations, employers' organizations and the Government. It is worth noting that the amending bill was unanimously accepted by this joint body. This constitutes yet further proof of the excellent relations which govern the relations between employers, workers and the government in Cyprus and which are of great honour to the state as a whole" (Tassos Papadopoulos, House of Representatives, 30 March 1964). 

Sixty years later, the Social Insurance Fund is viable and strong, constituting the most important social achievement of the Cypriot people, as a result of the tripartite social cooperation between the state, employers and employees.

We continue with consistency on the path in the same direction so that the Cypriot social insurance system can continue to be sustainable and strong for many decades, providing fair and decent pension earnings to present and future generations of employees.

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