local government

Personnel costs and social benefits dominate Cyprus’s budget

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Personnel costs and social benefits dominate Cyprus’s budget

The main categories of state expenditures in the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year 2023 include personnel wages, pensions, and bonuses, social benefits, and transfers. Social benefits also include the government’s contribution to the General Health Plan. The number of personnel has fluctuated over the years, with an increase in wage expenditures. Pensions and bonuses increased by 7% in 2023. The largest part of wage expenditures is for educators in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth. Social benefits include medical care, emergency grants, emergency humanitarian incidents, and supplementary pension benefits. The total amount of loans as of December 31, 2023, stood at €22.18 billion. State financing is mainly done through European Medium-Term Notes and loans from the European Stability Mechanism. Approved expenditures for 2023 were €12 billion, with actual expenditures reaching €10.92 billion. Total revenues for 2023 were €9.94 billion, resulting in a state budget deficit of €0.98 billion.

Over 3,500 people to be elected in June vote

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Over 3,500 people to be elected in June vote

Over 3,500 people will be voted to positions of public office in the elections on June 9.

President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget Proposal: Details & Analysis

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President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget Proposal: Details & Analysis

President Biden’s FY 2025 budget proposes tax hikes on businesses and high earners, amounting to a gross tax hike of over .1 trillion.

Disy will be , ‘victorious’ in upcoming elections

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Disy will be , ‘victorious’ in upcoming elections

Political party Disy, led by Annita Demetriou, is expected to win in the local and EU elections on June 9, despite facing significant opposition. During a speech where Disy’s MEP candidates and local government candidates for Larnaca district were presented, Demetriou highlighted the challenges the party is facing from various directions aimed at undermining its achievements. She emphasized the party’s resilience and determination to defend its values and achievements against those underestimating or betraying it. Demetriou also mentioned the departure of former party vice-president Marios Pelekanos, who joined nationalist Elam for the EU elections. She described Disy as a reformist political force that played a crucial role in Cyprus’s integration into the European Union, honoring the party’s founder Glafcos Clerides. Demetriou expressed confidence in Disy’s victory in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of this win for representing the interests of the people, Cyprus, and Larnaca.

Sewerage board merger welcomed

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Sewerage board merger welcomed

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced the merger of the Dali and Pera Chorio-Nisou sewerage boards with the main one in Nicosia, effective from July 1. This merger is part of local government reform and is expected to benefit the new municipality of South Nicosia-Dali, which includes Dali, Pera Chorio, Nisou, Alambra, Lympia, and Potamia. The merger aims to improve the quality of service for residents by implementing the European Directive for the treatment of urban wastewater, ensuring necessary sewerage network extensions to meet environmental and public health objectives.

Mayor Yiorkadjis announces candidacy for Nicosia District Council

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Mayor Yiorkadjis announces candidacy for Nicosia District Council

Constantinos Yiorkadjis, the outgoing mayor of Nicosia, announced his candidacy for president of the newly formed Nicosia District Council. He emphasized the importance of successful local government reform and the significant challenge and opportunity it presents. Yiorkadjis highlighted the political decision-making power of the president and council on matters affecting citizens’ daily lives, noting that the president is directly elected by the people, with council members being elected mayors, councillors, and community leaders. He believes he has the necessary qualifications for the position, citing his vision, political will, effectiveness, and ability to build consensus. Yiorkadjis also stressed the importance of citizen engagement and expressed pride in the progress made during his twelve years as mayor. He acknowledged the upcoming elections as pivotal for the local government’s future and seeks trust and support to build a modern, adaptable organization that serves the needs of all residents of the Nicosia district.