Nicosia City Council urges partial reopening of Makariou Avenue

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos has sent a letter to Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades regarding the City Council's decision for a partial reopening of Makariou Avenue. The proposal seeks to open the road during daylight hours and reopen side streets to improve access to parking and local businesses. Municipal factions including DISY, DIKO, ELAM, and EDEK argue that current road works, specifically on Kritis Street, have made the city center nearly inaccessible. The Ministry of Transport maintains that any changes require a new technical study to justify the adjustments to the European Commission, which originally funded the project. While the City Council claims the process is stalled by police and transport authority inaction, the Ministry emphasizes the need for documented proof that changes will improve traffic flow. Previous public consultations before the initial redevelopment favored pedestrianization, adding complexity to the current demands for vehicle access.