Cyprus government and banks piling-up cash
By end-February 2024, the government had accumulated cash deposits of over €3.5 billion at the Central Bank and €2.1 billion at commercial banks.
house president
Parties submit proposals for renouncement of multiple pensions
Government officials in Cyprus may soon be able to renounce their multiple pensions while in office, with a proposal submitted by Disy and Diko. The renouncement must be made within 15 days of assuming duties and can be revoked at any time. The government’s proposal includes replacing extra pensions with a lump sum payment. The audit service criticized the government’s proposal, claiming they do not wish to solve the problem. The constitution plays a significant role in discussions about multiple pensions in Cyprus.
House of Representatives honours Armenian genocide victims
Fact: The House of Representatives observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the Armenian genocide and pledged to fight for a world where peace and justice prevail.
Parliament opens lactation room for working mothers
Fact: A lactation room for women has been opened in the parliament building, catering to female staff and visitors.
Glowmorous charity dinner in Ayia Napa
Fact: The Glowmorous Dinner charity event, organized by the Karaiskakio Foundation and Ayia Napa Marina, aims to financially support the Paediatric Oncology Centre of the foundation and will feature a performance by Greek singer Despina Vandi.
Support floods in for Christodoula march
The Anti-Cancer Association received donations for its Christodoula march from state actors, political parties, and various organizations at Eleftheria Square.
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus
Exiled Belarusian political opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Cyprus and met with House president Annita Demetriou and the House foreign affairs committee. The European Union must play an active role in confronting dictatorial regimes, and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus is also Cyprus’ struggle. Thousands of political prisoners have been taken hostage in Belarus, and Tsikhanouskaya thanked Cyprus for supporting Belarusians in their fight for democratic changes.
Government , ‘addressing’ fuel price increases
The government is addressing increases in the retail price of fuel with targeted measures and by strengthening the incomes of the middle class. The government had implemented a blanket fuel tax subsidy last year, but elected not to extend it past the end of last month. A forthcoming “green tax” will be implemented later this year, potentially adding eight cents per litre to the retail price of fuel. The government is also looking to address the issue of multiple pensions for high-level government officials, aiming to replace them with a one-time lump sum payment. Changing the constitution to address multiple pensions is not an option as it would require the consent of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Plans afoot to abolish multiple pensions
Fact: Plans are being made to abolish the practice of paying multiple pensions to government officials in Cyprus.
House president, minister lock horns over double pensions
Fact: House President Annita Demetriou and the finance minister got into a verbal spat over the issue of pensions given to state officials.