AKEL on the measures announced by the government
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17th June 2020, Nicosia
We shall make a comprehensive assessment on the package of measures announced today by the government, after thoroughly studying all the schemes included in it.
As a first reaction, AKEL notes that the package is a continuation and extension of the previous package – for which we had stated that it does move in the correct direction – with specific adjustments and targeted measures.
AKEL’s consideration is to assist the kick start of economic activity, address the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic and to protect jobs. This is what our positions and proposals are aiming at.
We can, therefore, initially assess as the measure as positive – which was our proposal as well. Namely, to adjust state support to help businesses that, due to the geographical area they operate in, are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially in tourist areas.
Of course, the big problem of rents that small and medium-sized businesses and self-employed people continue to face remains unanswered, especially those operating in tourist and commercial areas that basically charge very high rents.
As far as the termination of the statement by businesses themselves about the reduction in turnover and the introduction of a precondition for certification by an approved accountant is concerned, we understand that there must be scrutiny. However, this change may cause difficulties for small and very small businesses to meet the precondition that is being set.
AKEL underlines that the state must drastically intensify controls in order to prevent the victimization of workers, the further deregulation of labour relations and the employer’s attacks against working people’s rights and salaries.
