‘Absolute seriousness required over state finances’

Absolute seriousness is required when speaking about state finances, President Nikos Christodoulides said, while civil servants are protesting low pay for a second day on Tueday.

The president made his remarks in response to the fact that coalition parties are asking for significant changes in budget disbursement bills, including a request for 400 new government jobs.

Referring both to foreclosures and to the strike of low-wage public employees from Isotita union, Christodoulides expressed his belief that all understand the critical state of affairs at the moment.

Only through a disciplined fiscal policy and a strong financial system can Cyprus have an economy that will allow for a targeted social policy, the president said.

He added that everyone’s positions are fully respected but the government has the responsibility to ensure that the state’s finances are not derailed.

Christodoulides went on to point out the multiple challenges at the regional and international level and noted that Cyprus is significantly affected by external factors.