Nicosia, Cyprus. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said the views of civil servants expressed through their trade union Pasydy are taken seriously and implemented where possible, while noting that in a period of global uncertainty stability and modernisation are not guaranteed.
Monitoring instability and support measures
Addressing the Pasydy congress in Nicosia on Monday, Keravnos said Cyprus, as a small and open economy, is directly affected by the prevailing climate of instability. He said the finance ministry is closely monitoring political and economic developments and intervenes where necessary with packages to support society, contain high prices and relieve households.
Fiscal policy and economic indicators
Keravnos said timely interventions would not be possible without what he described as a responsible and prudent fiscal policy, which he said resulted in a high growth rate, a fiscal surplus, reduced public debt and contained inflation.
State payroll and employee interests
The minister told civil servants that containing the state payroll would benefit employees by securing their interests and ruling out future questioning or renegotiation.
Government efforts and recent challenges
Keravnos said he listened with satisfaction to remarks by Pasydy’s president and general secretary regarding government efforts to resolve problems and address challenges, including geopolitical developments, as well as wildfires and foot and mouth disease.
Pasydy stance and agreements
He said Pasydy’s stance over the years has been serious and responsible, and referred to agreements on pay rises and increasing the retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 63.
Tax reforms and exemptions
Keravnos cited tax reforms as an achievement and referred to tax exemptions for children and green investments.
Civil service modernisation
He said the government has modernised the civil service through new assessments, digitalisation, flexible employment and health benefits.
Call to avoid confrontation
Keravnos said that in the absence of meaningless confrontation, populism and expediency, solutions can always be found.
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