A committee in Cyprus has approved a plan to reduce expensive benefits for former presidents and parliamentary speakers. The plan will now go to a full vote in parliament.
Currently, these former officials get benefits for life, paid for by the state. Many people argue this is too costly and old-fashioned. A major point of debate has been why former parliamentary speakers get the same benefits as former presidents.
The committee looked at three different proposals. They agreed on a compromise plan. The main change is about official cars with drivers. Former officials will now only get this service for five years after leaving their job. After that, it will stop. Also, the state will no longer pay for their fuel or car repairs. However, the committee decided to keep a lifelong monthly payment of €3,000 for office help.
Some politicians wanted bigger changes. One proposal wanted to cut the monthly payment in half and limit it to five years. Another wanted to remove all special benefits completely. The committee did not accept these ideas.
Supporters of the change say it is a necessary update. "The meaning of a public position ends with the term and not with death," said MP Alexandra Attalides. She also said it is illogical for the state to pay someone who then takes a top job at a private company.
The full parliament will debate and vote on the plan soon. If it passes, former leaders will lose their state cars after five years. The monthly payment will continue. However, some politicians say they will try to change the plan during the debate to also limit the money payment.