The 2021 Budget will not be able to meet the difficult equation the pandemic poses
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on the presentation of the 2021 budget in Parliament
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 26th October 2020, Nicosia
We are very afraid that the 2021 Budget prepared by the Anastasiades-DISY government will not be able to meet the difficult equation posed by the coronavirus pandemic, both on the economy and society too.
The government’s forecasts, on the basis of which it has drawn up its budget, are very optimistic and it is very likely that it will once again be refuted, as was also the case with the government’s previous forecasts. The government does not have a “Plan B”. This is the first plan.
The government’s forecasts regarding the level of the developmental budget’s implementation are also very optimistic. The government’s record is bad in this area too. The government does not succeed in implementing projects, as it announces them and they usually remain on paper. The government is still making numerous announcements.
The third point we want to point out is that the government does not deal with and worry about the problems people face, such as foreclosures, rents and the issue of loan installments. The government’s “Estia” debt relief scheme has failed, there are no plans for the non-performing loans of vulnerable groups, on the issue of loans it has given up and as for installments the Budget says nothing.
The government does not seem to be worried about the inadequacy and distortions of the country’s developmental model either. That is precisely why the government does not have a well-structured plan and is content with making general references.
Finally, the government does not seem to be worried about our country’s shaming as a result of the “golden” passport industry that it itself has set up. It is more concerned about what the investigations into the “golden” passport scandal will uncover and that is why it is evidently preventing the Auditor General from completing the investigation that he is carrying out within his responsibilities.
