Joint Proposal by SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance and New Left for the Reinstatement of the 13th Pension, Abolition of the Solidarity Contribution, and Elimination/Integration of the Personal Difference
The parliamentary groups of SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance and the New Left jointly submitted an amendment to the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s draft law, proposing the reinstatement of the 13th pension, the abolition of the solidarity contribution, and the elimination/integration of the “personal difference” in pensions.
This legislative initiative marks a decisive step toward addressing the significant injustices suffered by pensioners due to the harsh cuts imposed during the bailout years.
Its aim is to contribute to the restoration of pensioners’ incomes, which were severely reduced during the economic crisis.
This initiative is deemed necessary, firstly because the fiscal reasons that led to those cuts no longer exist since 2018, when the SYRIZA government exited the bailout programs.
Secondly, in the past six years, due to the policies of the current government, pensioners have faced further erosion of their incomes—primarily due to the rising cost of living, which has created conditions of poverty, especially for retirees. According to ELSTAT data, one-third of today’s pensioners live below the poverty line.
It is therefore clear that pensioners are bearing the brunt of fiscal adjustment. The immediate repeal of these detrimental measures is essential for restoring economic justice and providing relief, in line with the principles of proportionality and equality that should bind state authorities—including both the legislature and the executive. Moreover, maintaining these disproportionate restrictions is no longer justified, as the exceptional fiscal conditions under which they were imposed no longer apply.
The Amendment Provides for Three Key Interventions:
- Reinstatement of the 13th pension
- Abolition of the Solidarity Contribution (EAS)
- Elimination/integration of the Personal Difference
These have been long-standing demands of pensioners and aim to significantly improve their standard of living.
Detailed Proposal
The proposed regulation aligns with the constitutional principle of equality in the distribution of public burdens and the obligation of the state to ensure social rights and uphold the welfare state. It also reflects the constitutional commitment to respect human dignity and to uphold social and national solidarity.
A) Reinstatement of the 13th Pension
The first reduction in pensioners’ income was made under Law 3845/2010, which set the Christmas bonus at €400, the Easter bonus at €200, and the vacation allowance at €200—granted only if the beneficiary was over 60 years of age.
Law 4093/2012 abolished these bonuses altogether for public employees and all pensioners.
From January 1, 2019, under the SYRIZA government, and following Greece’s exit from the bailout programs, over 600,000 pensioners received pension increases for the first time, continuing over five years.
Also in 2019, under Law 4611/2019 (Article 120), the 13th pension was reinstated based on available fiscal capacity at the time. This included:
- Full amount (100%) for pensions up to €500,
- 70% for €500.01–€600,
- 50% for €600.01–€1,000,
- 30% for pensions over €1,000.
The 13th pension was not subject to seizure and was to be paid annually in May.
In 2020, despite previously supporting the 13th pension and promising not to abolish it, the New Democracy government eliminated it under Law 4670/2020 (Article 47), promising replacement measures that never materialized.
ND’s pre-election promises proved false. Pensioners still await the payment of court-ordered retroactive payments, have seen no meaningful pension increases, and what little they received was offset by inflation and reduced purchasing power—leaving them worse off than during the bailout period.
Bonuses are a fundamental part of workers’ and pensioners’ total compensation—not gifts, but rights earned through work and contributions.
This amendment restores the 13th pension for all pensioners, including the elderly, to provide essential financial support to one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
B) Abolition of the Pensioners’ Solidarity Contribution (EAS)
The EAS was introduced under Article 38(1) of Law 3863/2010 and involves monthly deductions from the main pensions of public sector, NAT, and social insurance fund pensioners. Additionally, from September 1, 2011, under Article 44(13) of Law 3986/2011, a special solidarity contribution was imposed on supplementary pensions.
The EAS was implemented to reduce pension spending and has long represented a significant burden on pensioners, particularly during a time of declining purchasing power.
C) Elimination/Integration of the Personal Difference – Across-the-Board Pension Increases
Law 4387/2016 introduced a new pension calculation method under e-EFKA and, starting from October 1, 2019, established the so-called “personal difference” to protect pensions that were higher than the new system would otherwise allow. It also required that this difference be gradually offset by annual pension adjustments.
However, the reasons for this transitional mechanism have now disappeared. The amendment proposes its abolition/integration and the provision of increases to all pensioners. With this change, 772,000 pensioners with a personal difference will receive this year’s 2.4% increase.
This move helps reverse a bailout-era measure introduced under fiscal pressure to prevent further pension cuts as demanded by creditors at the time.
Instead of permanent reform, the ND government opted for a temporary “personal difference allowance.” What is now needed is a permanent policy of pension increases for all.
