The government’s new measures lead to the economic destruction of cultural activity
Statement by AKEL C.C. member Costas Costa
9th July 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
Without any consultation and documentation whatsoever, the government proceeded yesterday to announce new emergency measures that will deal severe blows to cultural activity and cancel many performances with incalculable costs for the organizers and those employed in the field of culture. These measures will also have an impact on Cyprus’ wider economy. The government has once again exhausted all its severity on cultural activity by applying double-standards policies, despite the exemplary commitment event organizers have shown for the implementation of health protocols. We point out the fact that competent officials have admitted that no chain of outbreaks of the virus have occurred in cultural venues.
We are fully aware of the magnitude of the problem with the sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 cases. However, we do not understand and do not agree with the inconsistency of the measures being applied and the continued targeting of cultural activity, particularly in places where all health protocol measures and precautions are being observed.
Taking into account the fact that a large number of people employed in the field of culture are on the brink of financial ruin and that the new emergency measures may lead to the extinction of many professionals active in the field of culture and the arts, AKEL, through its Parliamentary Representative Yiorgos Loucaides, has made a protestation to the Minister of Health calling for the reinstatement of the measures on cultural activity that were in force during the previous period.
AKEL, as always, is ready to discuss in a constructive manner with the government and all the involved parties on the basis of the new facts that have emerged so that the best possible decisions can be taken. Furthermore, it is the government’s obligation to pay the relevant compensation for expenses that have been paid by event organizers who have either cancelled their performances or will hold them with a reduced number of spectators.
