New study’s findings on Cyprus economy
Statement of Stavros Evagorou, Deputy Parliamentary Spokesperson of AKEL-Left-New Forces
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 27 November 2015, Nicosia
O
ne could characterise the findings of the study conducted by the Cyprus Human Resource Development Authority on employment as depressive. The findings reflect the tragic situation in which tens of thousands of our compatriots are in.
However let’s look at the study’s findings concretely:
– The target for an employment rate of 75-77% has been definitely abandoned, given that employment levels today have remained “stuck” at 67.5%.
– Unemployment is hurting to a greater extent young people followed by women.
– A very big increase in the number of the long-term unemployed is noted.
– Cyprus recorded the highest upward trend in unemployment rates among EU countries, currently at around 16.1%.
In spite of all this negative reality, the Government is celebrating talking about a “success story” on the economy. Let the government say to the thousands of unemployed and to the thousands of young people who are migrating that Cyprus is entering the international markets.
Let the government say to the tens of thousands of our compatriots living in poverty that the banks have been recapitalized.
Let them say to those who are fed by social food banks that Cyprus has left the crisis behind it.
When the government is imposing cuts on development projects in order to register surpluses it is only natural that growth is delayed. When the government is cutting pensions, allowances and medicines to portray surpluses it is natural that the most vulnerable of the population are suffering even more.
As AKEL, we consider that in a country where the state does not invest in a country’s development, where the banks do not lend to the economy and when in a country the support of vulnerable populations is minimal then the much desired growth will come slowly and painfully and for sure increased employment and therefore the reduction in unemployment even more slowly.
