AKEL and PEO announce protest against cost of living in Cyprus

The Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) and the Popular Movement organizations, supported by the PEO trade union, have announced a public protest scheduled for Monday, September 28, at 18:00. The gathering will take place outside the Ministry of Finance to demand urgent government intervention regarding the rising cost of living and fuel prices.

Demonstrators are calling for a series of economic measures, including the permanent reduction of VAT on electricity to 5% and the automatic enrollment of eligible individuals in the '08' electricity tariff. Additional demands include ending double taxation on fuel, indexation of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for all workers, and an increase in social benefits such as the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI). Furthermore, the organizers advocate for the taxation of excess corporate profits and high-wealth individuals to fund housing initiatives and heating subsidies for vulnerable groups based on income criteria.

This mobilization reflects growing public dissatisfaction with inflationary pressures in Cyprus. By organizing this event, the parties seek to pressure the government into implementing structural changes that would provide relief to workers, pensioners, and young people experiencing significant economic strain.