Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca municipal council will hold a three-hour peaceful protest on Monday over its disagreement with what it describes as state interference in local government finances.
The protest will take place outside Larnaca Town Hall from 9am to 12pm and forms part of a wider call by the Union of Cyprus Municipalities for similar action in each district.
Funding concerns
The council said the state should support local government through adequate and fair funding, but was instead seeking to transfer the financial burden to municipalities and, ultimately, the public.
It said the central state’s actions, positions and omissions were forcing municipalities to increase fees and charges for residents, an approach it said municipalities did not want, consider fair or accept as a solution.
The council said it was taking a stand to defend the principle of local government and protect the interests of the public.
Participation and services
The full municipal council will attend the protest and has invited all employees to join. Participation will be optional, with no adverse consequences for employees who do not take part.
The municipality said it would seek, as far as possible, to ensure the smooth operation of its services during the protest.
Union position
The Union of Cyprus Municipalities has said municipalities will struggle to survive without proper state financial support.
It has challenged government claims that municipal funding would double, noting that state revenue rose by 132 per cent between 2010 and 2024, while funding for municipalities is expected to increase by 42 per cent in 2026.
