AKEL’s proposal to reduce VAT on electricity is proportional, realistic and applicable immediately

 

Statement by Haris Polycarpou, AKEL Political Bureau member

21 October 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Every day that goes by adds to the bill society pays as a result of the price hikes of electricity, fuel, food and other essentials.

Despite the fact that for the Anastasiades-DISY government it is quite natural to remain apathetic and assume that the storm will pass, for households and SME’s, who are experiencing this harsh reality every day, there is no such luxury.

AKEL has submitted a specific proposal for a reduction of VAT on electricity from 19% to 9%. We consider that this proposal will help not only society, but the economy too by providing support to households and small and medium-sized enterprises so they can meet the increased cost of electricity. It is a proportionate, realistic and immediately applicable proposal and is in line with the recommendations that the European Commission itself has sent to member states.

We call on the DISY government, again, to realise that it has a responsibility to intervene. After all, part of the increases belong to it.

Now is the time for the state to support households and small and medium-sized businesses, not with expressing meaningless wishes and declarations, but with concrete actions because, whether it understands it or not, the government is there to provide solutions, not explanations.