The government’s incompetence on price increases confirmed by the EU

 

Statement by AKEL Political Bureau member and Head of Economic Policy Haris Polycarpou

24 May 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The European Commission has confirmed the incompetence and failure of the Anastasiades-DISY government to address the rising energy prices and energy poverty in Cyprus.

The country-by-country recommendations announced yesterday by the European Commission document the government’s failure to solve the ongoing energy and fuel problems, which society and the economy are paying a heavy price for.

However, the government is focusing on other things. No matter how much it has said and written over the past few days, it has not found a single word to say about the substance of the issue. It has not found a single word to say why oil prices are falling globally, but in Cyprus are rising sharply. Other countries are already taking measures, but in Cyprus we are postponing taking decisions for the future.

Nor did the government give an answer whether it agrees or not with AKEL’s proposals on price increases/hikes. Whether the government agrees or disagrees with the reduction of double taxation and the imposition of a cap on fuel and essential goods; with the full restoration of the Cost of Living Allowance to cover every worker. Whether it supports the universal demand of society for the reduction of VAT on basic goods and electricity.

Everyone understands that action is needed right now – everyone that is except the Anastasiades – DISY government.