AKEL meeting with a delegation of the Cyprus Association of Consumers and Quality of Life

 

24 February 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Following the initiatives undertaken by AKEL to address the issue of price increases, a Party delegation headed by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of AKEL had a meeting today with the Cyprus Association of Consumers and Quality of Life and its President Louka Aristodimou.

At the centre of the discussion was the issue of price increases and their consequences on society and the economy, particularly to the detriment of consumers. There was a common conclusion noted that society is exposed to escalating price increases and profiteering. The political will on the part of the DISY government to take immediate and substantive measures is non-existent, despite the cry of anguish from consumers.

The government has a responsibility to protect society and the economy and to provide relief to consumers through the implementation of specific measures. In any case, the government bears a large share of the responsibility, especially on the issue of fuel and electricity, which has left consumers and Cyprus exposed.

At the meeting, AKEL referred to the specific proposals it has tabled for the relief of consumers, for tackling price increases and the implementation of policies that provide substantive solutions. The proposals of the Cyprus Consumer Association were also discussed, which agrees that the government needs to act and take measures to protect consumers.

AKEL will continue to insist on the need for measures to be taken, including the following:

• The reduction of VAT to 9% on electricity.
• The end of double taxation on fuel.
• The imposition of a cap on essential goods.
• The creation of a price watchdog website for essentials as a measure to combat profiteering