AKEL criticizes the Cypriot government over cost of living and fuel prices

On October 7 and 9, 2026, AKEL party spokesperson Charis Polykarpou issued statements condemning the Cypriot government led by Nikos Christodoulides for failing to address the rising cost of living and fuel prices. Polykarpou argued that retail fuel prices in Cyprus rise immediately following international increases but are slow to decrease, accusing the government of protecting fuel companies instead of citizens. He further noted that current fiscal surpluses are not effectively alleviating the financial pressure on households and small-to-medium enterprises as indicated by recent data from the Statistical Service.

To address this crisis, AKEL proposed a series of targeted interventions, including a request to the European Union for the abolition of double taxation on fuel, the implementation of a travel allowance, and a 50% reduction in road taxes for low-to-middle income households. The party criticized the lack of adequate public transport and the existing energy isolation of the island as significant compounding factors that exacerbate the economic burden on the population. AKEL demands immediate state action rather than further administrative observations, warning that the current measures are insufficient to support the purchasing power of citizens.