AKEL on tackling price hikes and supporting consumers

 

Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL Stefanos Stefanou

6 September 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Society and the economy are under great pressure due to the sharp increase in the price of electricity, fuel and other essentials.

Small and medium-sized households, small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable groups of the population are suffering in particular.

There is an urgent need for immediate measures and decisions to be taken aiming at the targeted protection of consumers and businesses.

We regret to note that in the face of this disastrous situation for thousands of our fellow citizens, the government remains apathetic and indifferent.

AKEL has specific proposals and views on what can and must be done.

For example, the temporary and targeted absorption of part of the costs of the increase in the electricity price by the Electricity Authority and the issue of fuel taxation must also be discussed again.

Our Party will take concrete initiatives to immediately promote AKEL’s proposals on issues relating to the price hikes.

Today I am sending a letter to the President of the Republic, stressing the need for the government to abandon its passive stance and move towards protecting consumers and supporting the economy and society.

In the period ahead, AKEL is planning to hold meetings with the Energy Minister Mrs. Pileidou, the Cyprus Electricity Authority Board and management, RAEK, the Consumer Protection Service, the Competition Protection Committee and the Consumer Associations to promote its proposals and views.

Society and the economy need protection, AKEL has proposals and will work to implement them.