AKEL is launching a broadside through its MP and member of the Political Bureau of the party’s Central Committee, Giorgos Koukoumas—to be precise—who asks whether “the government plans to do anything about inflation,” adding that “price hikes can’t be eaten, nor do they fill up a car.”
Mr. Koukoumas states that “the new wave of inflation is putting a strain on the vast majority of society, but the Christodoulides government stands by idly and unconcerned.”
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He adds that in 2026, the state collected 200 million euros in increased revenue through VAT and excise taxes, but essentially nothing is being returned to society.
“In other words, the Cypriot people are paying twice for the high cost of living, but the government is not moved to do anything to support society. Other European countries are taking emergency measures and cutting taxes, but the government is celebrating credit rating upgrades, which, however good they may be, can’t be eaten or used to fill up a car.”
At the same time, as the MP notes, AKEL is proposing and demanding emergency and targeted assistance for low- and middle-income earners in the face of record-high fuel price increases.
“We are calling for the following, as long as the fuel price situation persists: a transportation allowance for low- and middle-income households with children, targeted one-time heating assistance in preparation for winter, and a 50% reduction in vehicle registration fees for 2027 for the poorest households.”
At the same time, he emphasizes the “urgent need” to end double taxation on fuel, to ensure control and transparency in fuel prices, and, regarding electricity: a permanent 5% VAT rate and the expansion of subsidized rates.
“AKEL is calling for measures to support society and, at the same time, is pointing out where the money for this will come from: additional revenue from inflation, revenue from pollution taxes, taxation of windfall profits, and the introduction of a tax on high-value real estate. For all of this—as well as for everything society needs: decent and fair wages, adequate pensions, and affordable housing—we will be demonstrating this coming Monday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m., outside the Ministry of Finance. Let the government get the message!”
