Cyprus’ communist-rooted opposition party AKEL took to the streets Monday, calling on the government to take immediate action to support households struggling with the rising cost of living.
Citizens at the protest voiced strong concern over the increased cost of living and the difficulties facing households.
AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou called on President Nikos Christodoulides to take action, speaking from the podium at the protest.
“The state has collected around €200 million more in revenue so far from VAT and consumption taxes. Society isn’t asking for favors or privileges. It’s asking the government to do what it’s obligated to do: support it,” Stefanou said.
AKEL submitted specific proposals to support households, with emphasis on the cost of fuel, electricity, housing and basic goods.
The DIKO-linked Democratic Rally splinter party ADK also took part in the protest.
Hours before the protest, the government pushed back on claims that it had been inactive, with the Finance Ministry issuing a statement listing measures it said were already in place to relieve citizens.
Among the measures cited by the ministry: zero VAT on basic goods; a reduced 5% VAT rate on electricity, benefiting around 33,000 low-income households and single-parent families; an 8.33-cent-per-liter cut in the consumption tax on motor fuel; and an increase in child benefit through expanded income eligibility criteria. The ministry also pointed to benefits for workers and households from its tax reform.
The government “is not remaining indifferent,” the Finance Ministry said, adding that it is examining additional support measures.
