AKEL protests outside Finance Ministry over rising cost of living

On September 28, 2026, the opposition party AKEL, along with various mass organizations and the trade union PEO, held a protest outside the Ministry of Finance in Nicosia to demand immediate government intervention against the rising cost of living. Demonstrators criticized the Christodoulides administration for its perceived inaction, noting that the state has collected an additional 200 million euros in VAT and consumption taxes throughout 2026 without redistributing these funds to alleviate financial burdens on households.

AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou presented a nine-point package of measures, including a permanent 5% VAT on electricity, an end to double taxation on fuel, a transport allowance for low-to-middle income families with children, and a 50% reduction in vehicle circulation fees for 2027. The party also requested a one-off heating subsidy for the winter season and increased transparency in fuel pricing. While the government has yet to announce a specific policy response to these demands, officials are expected to discuss potential support measures during the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday.