Cyprus mayors are expressing strong dissatisfaction with Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, accusing him of blocking millions of euros in funding that President Christodoulides had pledged to municipalities.
During its meeting today, the Board of the Union of Municipalities decided to send a letter to President Christodoulides, criticising the Finance Minister for failing to implement the president’s commitments for financial support. The promised measures amount to several million euros annually and are regarded as vital for the local authorities.
The issues at the centre of the dispute include:
-
Payment of funding covering 60 percent of lost revenue from development licensing.
-
Allocation of funds for maintaining the road network under the Public Works Department.
-
Disbursement of money for municipal development projects that have been incorporated into communities.
-
The method used to calculate the government’s 40 per cent contribution to municipal salary costs.
In the letter, which was expected to be delivered to the Presidential Palace as early as today, Tuesday, Union President Andreas Vyras requests a meeting with President Christodoulides to ensure the immediate implementation of these commitments, which are considered essential for the proper functioning of municipalities.
In addition, the Union’s Board decided to convene an emergency meeting of all mayors next Monday at 12 p.m. at the Latsia–Geri Town Hall to discuss further action. The possibility of taking dynamic protest measures has not been ruled out.