Growth is needed for the many and not for the privileged few
Statement by the Social Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL on the 2017 Statistical Service figures relating to poverty and social exclusion
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18 September 2018, Nicosia
On the pretext of the figures released by the Statistical Service on poverty and social exclusion for 2017, we note the following:
Despite the slight improvement, it remains a fact that one in four residents of Cyprus continue to face the danger of poverty and social exclusion, ranking Cyprus as one of the countries well above the average across the EU.
The percentage of working poor and of people who due to financial difficulties cannot repay bills and loans remains high, as well as the percentage of people over 65 who live on the poverty line, which in fact has increased from 22.9 % in 2016 to 24.6% in 2017.
It is obvious that the result of the growth that has been registered lately and the wealth which it generates is not distributed in a way that will resolutely address the problems that have been caused over the past years as a result of the policies of cuts and austerity which have been imposed by the Anastasiades government.
To address this grim situation decisively, drastic interventions that will combat economic and social inequality and channel resources to the low-paid and vulnerable groups of the population are demanded.
The reshaping of social policy is needed. AKEL reiterates its position for:
- Family policy measures to provide support for young couples on low pay.
- Reshaping of housing policy in a way that will practically and effectively support families who find it difficult to acquire housing.
- Ensure essential terms of employment for those working people who are not covered by collective labour agreements in order to combat the phenomenon of working poor.
- Legislative regulation of the employers’ obligation to apply collective labour agreements.
- Investments from the state in social protection infrastructures and support towards local government to promote social policy measures.
Growth is needed for the many and not for the privileged few.
