New shocking figures expose results of DISY Government’s policies
Statement of Charis Polycarpou, member of the Economic Research Department of the C.C. of AKEL
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 23rd October 2015, Nicosia
The new statistical figures released on poverty in Cyprus reflect the great contrast between the picture cultivated by the DISY Government and the economy’s real existing situation.
One in four of our fellow citizens are confronted with poverty or social exclusion according to the results of the Study on Incomes and Living Conditions which had been announced by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, with young people and those on the verge of their retirement the ones that have been affected the most.
Unfortunately no matter many statements and press reports are written about Cyprus’ return to the markets and about a supposed “success story” of the Cyprus economy the government and ruling forces cannot deny the fact that:
- Cyprus has the greatest increase in income inequality between rich and poor in the EU,
- Households have suffered drastic reductions in their annual income over the last three years,
- One third of the population has a problem with their installments of their loans.
For AKEL poverty is not tackled by issuing statements and rejoicing, or through the implementation of austerity policies and cuts that make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Policies promoting growth and development are required in order to create permanent jobs and a fairer distribution of wealth; policies that raise the living standards of society as a whole.
