The loss of lives is not up for “populism or political exploitation”, the transport ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, in response to remarks by Disy deputy president Yiannis Karousos, who called for the immediate promotion of a bill regarding electrical installations.

The transport ministry said the bill Karousos was referring to, “put forward by the previous government, not only did not solve electrical installation safety issues, but contained loopholes and removed the exclusivity of the first inspection from the Electricity Authority (EAC).”

It added that the revised bill would be put to public debate next week and would then be sent for legislative review.

“We have an obligation to be responsible and beneficial, especially in matters related to the safety of citizens. Human losses are not suitable for populism or political exploitation,” the ministry said.

Earlier, Karousos had called on the government to bring back the bill for debate and approval, following the death of a five-member family on Saturday from a fire that may have been caused by a short circuit.

Karousos said it was imperative to revise the way electrical installations were inspected and said the bill proposed by the previous government was withdrawn without justification.