Geroskipou residents oppose reform, stage protest

Disgruntled Geroskipou residents held a protest on Friday in front of the municipality’s office to demonstrate against local government reforms – which would see Geroskipou municipality absorbed by Paphos.

Dozens took to the streets with placards and shouted slogans – such as “the municipality belongs to its citizens” – as they expressed their strong opposition to the local government reforms.

They did, however, say they were in favour of creating a ‘strong’ east Paphos municipality and called on the parties in parliament to listen to residents.

Hariklia Sarika, head of the local citizen’s initiative group, told the protesters that Geroskipou was a strong and rapidly developing municipality – arguing that it should expand east instead.

She stated that it has a strong tourism industry with plenty of land and coastline available for further developments.

For his part, deputy mayor Kyriakos Hadjivasilis said that local reform was required to meet today’s challenges but also expressed support for the municipality retaining its autonomy.

He also said that the municipality should expand eastward, joining in with neighbouring communities who have shared interests.