DISY, DIKO, DIPA and ELAM blocked support for refugees

 

12 December 2025, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The majority of political parties in Parliament blocked an important opportunity to give a respite to a large section of the 1974 war refugee community. DISY, DIKO, DIPA, and ELAM parties — with the abstention of Volt party and the Greens — almost completely altered the legislation proposed by AKEL to remove any time limit on applying for a housing interest subsidy from the Central Agency for the Equal Distribution of Burdens.

AKEL’s bill would have supported thousands of refugee borrowers who have seen interest rates skyrocket in recent years, while at the same time acting as a clear disincentive to appeal to the Compensation Commission (Note: in the occupied areas). It was based on an indisputable reality: the Agency’s plans are the only ones that recognise the real value of refugees’ properties in the occupied areas and, as such, must remain open, without restrictions and bureaucratic obstacles. It is no coincidence that during the discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees there was a positive and unanimous atmosphere, both from MPs of other parties and from the  Pan-Cyprian Association of Refugees, the Association of Communities from Occupied Areas and the Agency itself.

However, AKEL’s effort was blocked by the intervention of DIKO, which tabled an amendment – which in fact was never raised or discussed in the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees – imposing a strict time limit of 24 months from the conclusion of the loan for the submission of applications. Only AKEL voted against this amendment, pointing out to the other parties that their stance leaves thousands of refugees out of the plan and exposed to high interest rates. These parties owe refugees an explanation for their stance and the petty political games behind it.

AKEL, however, will continue to fight even more resolutely for substantive and fair support measures for the refugee community.