Price hikes are addressed by substantive measures, not by government celebrations and fiestas

Statement by Vakis Charalambous, member of the Central Committee of AKEL

3 October 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Citizens do not share in the slightest the government’s celebrations about the economy’s performance, because they are simply experiencing something completely different from what the government is trying to present.

They are enduring poverty and suffering economic insecurity as they see their incomes declining.

Price hikes are not addressed by the government issuing statements and engaging in communication fiestas, but by implementing immediate and substantial measures such as tax cuts on electricity and fuel, by restoring the Cost of Living Allowance and abolishing the 12% penalty imposed on those people choosing to retire at 63 years old.

At a time when more and more countries are following the recommendations of both the UN and EU for the provision of support towards households and businesses, Cyprus still lags far behind in terms of providing support to society from the increased energy costs.

So instead of the government celebrating, it should stop blocking the decisions approved by the majority of Parliament to provide relied to society. Besides, it should make use of the additional revenues of 1 billion Euros that will end up in state’s coffers by the end of the year for the benefit of citizens.