One in four children is at risk of poverty in Cyprus

 

Statement of Charis Polycarpou, member of the C.C. of AKEL

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 26th January 2016, Nicosia

It is clear that the fight against poverty and social exclusion is not a priority of this Government.

Yesterday, in the European Parliament, the Minister of Finance again spoke about Cyprus’ “success story”. He expressed his satisfaction with the austerity policy implemented, describing it as a common sense policy. At the same time, yesterday the European Parliament published a report which painted a different picture of Cyprus not in line with this logic.

In its report on poverty, inequality and social exclusion, the European Parliament presents Cyprus as the country with the biggest increase in income inequality between rich and poor and the country where one in four children are at risk of poverty.

We consider that the increase of living standards and the fight against poverty are key economic policy criteria. As far as the Government is concerned, this doesn’t appear to be the case.