The primary family home and small business premise must be protected
Statement by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A. Kyprianou after the meeting of political party Heads on the Non-performing loans issue
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 15th March 2018, Nicosia
AK: Non-performing loans are, together with the Cyprus problem, one of the biggest problems our country and people are facing at the moment. Despite the supposed “success story” that the government has been projecting in recent years, it is evident that the banking sector was and continues to this day to be the Cypriot economy’s main problem. This sector continues to face enormous problems and difficulties.
We have the good will to work with everyone and the government in an effort to contribute towards addressing this problem. However, one understands that (to do so) we must all share the same philosophy. This is, as to who we want to protect and who should pressure be exerted on so that the loans can be paid off. If we agree on the philosophy to be pursued, we are ready to work collectively and contribute towards this end.
We have made it clear that we insist on the protection of the primary family home and small business premise for the people who were paying loans regularly and who due to the economic crisis and to no fault of their own found themselves exposed and now can’t pay off their loans. These people must be protected. Let me reiterate: the primary family home and small business premise must be protected. We won’t accept decisions again only serving the banks by shifting any consequences on to the people’s backs. Within this framework, we are ready to discuss and act collectively in the effort to find solutions.
Are you satisfied with the framework of proposals that have been drafted and are being elaborated at the given moment?
AK: We have no proposal whatsoever in front of us. The Minister of Finance has mentioned some thoughts – very general, not specific at all. We need to see the concrete framework to engage in a discussion.
The view we have outlined at the meeting is that it is the government’s obligation to prepare a framework which it should table and exchange views on whether its philosophy first and foremost satisfies us, and subsequently, of course, if its philosophy does satisfy us we shall discuss the details.
It is the government’s duty to submit a proposal – it is not the duty of the political parties to table a proposal. The government is in power and governing. It is the one that has been elected to run the country. It must submit a proposal. We have tabled specific principles. We didn’t go through the process of tabling a comprehensive proposal. When and provided that we receive the government’s proposal, we then will put forth our views. I repeat again provided that we agree with its philosophy.
Has a date been set when you will meet again, because you raised this specific framework in your letter the day before yesterday?
AK: Let me say that the Finance Minister has said that in about a week the Treasury will prepare the government’s proposal, send it to the parties and the meeting will be convened.
