AKEL initiates parliamentary review of elderly care and dementia policies in Cyprus

On October 20, 2026, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, Giorgos Koukoumas, announced that AKEL has tabled two proposals for legislative review regarding the elderly population in Cyprus. The initiative comes amid reports that over 16,000 people in Cyprus currently suffer from dementia, a figure projected to increase significantly in the coming years.

The review focuses on the effectiveness of the National Strategy for Active Ageing (2025-2030) and the corresponding National Action Plan (2025-2027). Koukoumas expressed concerns regarding the implementation of government promises aimed at ensuring dignity for pensioners. Specifically, he highlighted that one in three retirees in Cyprus is currently at risk of poverty, a rate twice the European Union average.

Moving forward, the committee aims to evaluate what concrete progress has been made on these government commitments and assess the current state of care structures and facilities. This legislative process seeks to address the growing needs of the elderly and the adequacy of support systems, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the government's previous pledges to this vulnerable demographic.