Movement Alma criticizes government over waste management policy

The Alma movement has criticized the Cypriot government for its waste management strategy, asserting that the Parliament's rejection of a proposed landfill tax was correct given the current lack of necessary infrastructure. The movement points to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture showing that nearly 100% of waste in Paphos is sent to landfills, while the rate is approximately 80% in Pentakomo and between 50% and 60% in Kosi. Alma argues that the government attempted to impose this tax prematurely before establishing a finalized waste management model.

Critiques center on the delay in comprehensive planning. Although there have been discussions regarding a viability study for the Kosi facility since 2018 and plans for a strategic review by the Department of Environment in 2019, progress remains stalled. The government has yet to sign a contract for a new comprehensive study, which is now not expected to be completed until 2028. Alma asserts that both the current administration under Nikos Christodoulides and the previous Anastasiades/DISY government have failed to address these infrastructural deficiencies over the past several years.