Nicosia, Cyprus. The municipalities of Athienou and Strovolos will hold three-hour peaceful protests on Monday in opposition to what they describe as insufficient state support for local government.
The demonstrations will take place from 9am to 12pm outside Athienou municipal hall and in the courtyard of Strovolos municipal hall.
Funding concerns
Both municipalities said inadequate state funding is forcing local authorities to consider increasing fees and charges paid by the public.
Athienou municipality said the state should support local government through adequate and fair funding, rather than transferring the financial burden to municipalities and ultimately to citizens.
Strovolos issued a similar statement, saying the state was shifting financial responsibilities to municipalities instead of providing the necessary support. It said the public should not become the final recipients of insufficient state support for local government.
Voluntary participation
The municipalities called on employees and residents who wish to participate to attend voluntarily.
Both stressed that municipal staff would face no consequences whether they chose to join the protest or continue working.
Essential services
Strovolos said it would take measures to maintain essential services during the protest period. Members of the public requiring assistance at municipal offices were advised to arrange visits before or after the three-hour demonstration.
