Disy will continue to act responsibly and will support the state budget, but without a blank cheque, party president Annita Demetriou said on Monday.

Demetriou, who is holding a series of meetings with municipalities and regional local government organisations regarding the implementation of local government reform, met officials in Larnaca on Monday.

She visited the offices of the Cyprus Workers’ Confederation (SEK) trade union and of the Larnaca district local government, before holding talks with the town’s mayor Andreas Vyras and members of the municipal council at the town hall.

She was also expected to visit the Larnaca central police station and the headquarters of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce.

In statements at the Larnaca Town Hall, Demetriou highlighted the importance of successfully implementing the local government reform.

She then added that the reform “is one the party wants to see succeed”, while also identifying the most pressing issues facing Larnaca and the surrounding area, so that they can be addressed collectively.

“We want to hear from those on the front line about gaps and weaknesses, so that we, as Disy, can take specific initiatives,” she said.

Asked if any issues have been identified in Larnaca, Demetriou answered that the party would be informed about the status of the Larnaca port and marina project, which had previously stalled.

The project is now under the oversight of the Cyprus Ports Authority. She also mentioned other issues in the city that they would discuss with the relevant authorities to ensure progress.

“We must find solutions where deadlocks arise, as that is our job. We are here to assign appropriate importance to each region based on the priority of the issues that need to be addressed,” she said.

Regarding the upcoming discussion of the state budget in parliament, Demetriou stressed the need to evaluate the budget’s provisions and ensure they align with the issues discussed in earlier committee meetings.

“We will review the state budget in the relevant committees, but it is crucial to have the input of those involved,” she said.

Asked whether Disy would vote in favour of the state budget, Demetriou confirmed that the party would act responsibly as it had in previous years, adding that they would support the budget but not without scrutiny.

“We will intervene with specific proposals where necessary and expect a response to ensure that the budget is not just surplus but that funds are allocated where needed, benefiting people and enabling important reforms,” she explained.

Vyras stressed the importance of cooperation and mutual information.

“Without cooperation and a common plan, those who will suffer are the people,” he said.