The government refuses to listen to society

Statement by AKEL Political Bureau member & Head of Economic Policy Charis Polycarpou

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

The new figures released by the Statistical Office on the state’s revenues and expenditures show that whereas the pockets of society are being emptied as a result of the ongoing price hikes, public coffers are bulging due to the increased revenues. The government has put €1 billion more revenues into its coffers than last year, but instead of providing support to society, it is confirming the policy it has faithfully pursued for ten years. Namely, a socially insensitive policy, oriented towards serving powerful economic interests.

In the face of ongoing price hikes and rising inflation, the deregulation of the labour market and the need to restore the Cost of Living Allowance, in the face of meagre pensions and the universal demand for the abolition of the 12% penalty on those choosing to retire at 63, the lack of affordable housing and the dismantling of the welfare state, the government remains consistent to its dogmatism. It refuses to sit at the table and agree on rational and socially sensitive solutions. It refuses to listen to society and its just demands.

Obviously, the solutions are complex, but the beginning must be a change in the governance of the country. Those who today aspire to become the successors of the current government cannot be agents of change. Averof Neophytou and Nikos Christodoulides, both carriers of the problems accumulated by the ten-year DISY government, do not offer a perspective to society.

Real change in the governance [of the country] can only come about with a change in the philosophy, priorities and policies of governing the country. This change is represented by Andreas Mavroyiannis.