Memorandum to the Minister of Labour on the distribution of social security rights.

Dear Minister,

Dear Mr. Deputy Minister,

These days mark the completion of one year since the seminar organized at my initiative by the Parliamentary Group of the European Socialist Party at the Zappeion Megaron, on the topic “Social Security and Gender Equality.” The most important presentations, proposals, and conclusions have been included in a book, which, by general assessment, is considered a significant contribution to the dialogue on the reform of social security systems.

With this letter, I would like to remind you and kindly ask you to find a solution to one of the most important issues that were discussed, which concerns the distribution of pension rights acquired during marriage. Through the distribution of pension rights, according to the analysis and documentation of the issue carried out by the specialized lawyer Mrs. Athena Petrogloy, it is recognized that each spouse has the right to participate in the pension rights acquired by the other during their marriage. The distribution can occur either at the time of divorce or, regardless of divorce, through mutual agreement between the spouses. Its advantages are notable:

• It provides, in the case of divorce, an individual pension right to both spouses, whereas today, the one—usually the wife—who does not have pension rights is left without insurance after the divorce.

• It recognizes the value of household work by distributing between the spouses the disadvantages and, consequently, the social security that this entails.

• It strengthens the position and promotes the personal autonomy of the weaker spouse, usually the woman.

It is therefore evident that the distribution of pension rights between spouses is an expression of the principle of gender equality and the solidarity within society that is created through marriage. This equality and solidarity extend to the property relations between spouses and are expressed as the husband’s participation in the economic risks that the woman faces due to her involvement in family responsibilities, which prevent or limit her professional activity and social security rights.

For all the aforementioned reasons, I believe it is now an imperative necessity for Greece to follow the example of other European countries, taking measures to protect the rights of a large portion of its citizens.

I am at your disposal for any clarification and future cooperation.

With deep respect,

Anna KARAMANOU