Akel says it will reject government’s 2022 state budget

In keeping with its custom, main opposition Akel said Wednesday it will be voting against the 2022 state budget but only after proposing a number of amendments to counter what it said was the government’s anti-popular policies and wastefulness.

The decision was made by the party’s central committee, along with amendments aiming at funds promoting privatisations, the management of European cash for migration, expenditure that are part of the scheme on Akamas, and those relating to the relocation of asphalt plants.

Akel also plans to freeze funds earmarked for the president’s and the ministers’ advisors and table an amendment prohibiting the government from changing the employment status of political appointees to permanent civil servants.

According to the party, the budget is akin to an election campaign rather than a blueprint on the country’s future.

“Sank in corruption, arrogancy, and controversy, the Anastasiades-Disy administration neither wants, nor it can give Cyprus and its people a vision,” a statement said.

The big problems plaguing Cypriot society – inequalities, high prices, deregulation of labour relations, foreclosures – were not being resolved and were not even among the government’s concerns, the party said.

“Akel rejects the Anastasiades-Disy government’s budget because the country needs a different course, a real change in policies, priorities, the style and ethos of governance.”