The 2019 Budget is without vision, social sensitivity and investment in growth

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on the 2019 budget

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 7 December 2018, Nicosia

We did not hear anything new in today’s presentation of the State Budget by the Minister of Finance. The 2019 budget is a repetition of previous Budgets, as are the announcements made by the government, which prove to be empty meaningless words.

The 2019 budget is anti-growth and lacks a vision and social sensitivity.

The government is celebrating about the performance of the economy. However, one third of our fellow citizens do not share the government’s celebratory tones, given that they are suffering from poverty, social insecurity and the lack of state and labour protection. Cyprus registers the worst results on these issues across the EU.

The government is constantly talking about reforms, but we don’t see reforms. Furthermore, what the government is changing it is doing to the detriment of society and citizens.

The government claims that it is solving problems, but these subsequently come crushing down on us. That was the case with the Cyprus Cooperative Bank, the halloumi debacle, that’s what happened with tax evasion, corruption and much more.

The government isn’t taking any political responsibility for everything that is happening. Sensitivity and the assumption of political responsibility are elements unknown to the government.