Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou said on Thursday that the party does not rule out seeking the role of House speaker after the parliamentary elections, while stressing that political offices are not an end in themselves.
Priorities for the next parliamentary term
Speaking at a press conference, Stefanou outlined Akel’s legislative record over the past five years and presented priorities for the next term, focusing on labour rights, social policy, energy costs and wealth inequality.
Labour measures and workplace protections
Stefanou said Akel had contributed to measures protecting workers from exhausting working conditions, strengthening safety and health training obligations, and improving the rights of permanent teachers.
Social policy and legal protections
On social issues, he referred to legislation providing free legal aid for women affected by domestic and gender-based violence, the criminalisation of revenge pornography, and the extension of maternity leave from 18 to 24 weeks.
Energy costs, VAT and green taxes
Addressing rising living costs and energy policy, Stefanou said the party had pressured for reductions in VAT on electricity and supported a permanent reduction from 19 per cent to 5 per cent. He also defended Akel’s opposition regarding green taxes, stating that the party favours their abolition.
Criticism of economic policy and wealth distribution
“We have shown which force supports society with seriousness and documentation,” Stefanou said. He also criticised President Nikos Christodoulides over economic policy, claiming the president “has been added to the bodyguards of the banks’ irresponsibility”.
Referring to a recent European Commission study on wealth distribution, Stefanou said 10 per cent of wealthy households in Cyprus controlled 67 per cent of the country’s total wealth.
Planned legislative proposals
Stefanou said Akel would continue promoting legislative proposals targeting excess profits by banks, renewable energy companies and owners of high value real estate.
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