AKEL on Commission report on the Cyprus economy
Statement by Haris Polycarpou, member of the C.C. of AKEL
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 23rd February 2017, Nicosia
The European Commission’s country report on the Cyprus economy published yesterday concludes, inter alia, that:
- The economic crisis has seen inequalities, the risk of poverty and social exclusion increase, reflecting the deterioration of social conditions during the crisis.
- Unemployment has fallen, but remains high.
- The indicators with regards the risk of poverty and social exclusion have worsened.
- The number of working people in poverty has increased, reflecting the continuous fall in wages.
- The prospects for growth remain reduced.
- The public debt is on a downward path but its sustainability is still subject to considerable dangers.
- Income inequality has stabilized at high levels and remains a source of concern.
- The health sector is characterized by inefficiency, which limits access to appropriate and effective care.
These are the results so far of the policies implemented by the Government.
Its time the government realizes the consequences of the neoliberal policy on society and change priorities.
It must put before the interests of the select few and privileged the interests of the society in general.
As long as it remains dogmatically fixed to the same philosophy the results will continue to be terrible for society.
