Nicosia, Cyprus. Disagreement erupted in parliament on Tuesday over the postponement of the equal burden distribution agency’s budget, with MPs warning delays could leave beneficiaries unpaid for months as the legislature nears dissolution ahead of May elections.
Committee review and disputed amendment
The issue was examined by the House refugee committee after the agency’s budget law was referred, focusing on an amendment passed by parliament to use unallocated funds from the 0.4 per cent property transfer levy for refugee support.
Government objections
Government officials objected to the amendment, with finance ministry representative Marios Hadjidamianou saying “this specific need is covered through the budget” and that no additional provision for the fund was required.
Legal service raises constitutional concerns
Legal service representatives said the amendment raised constitutional issues and that parliament had exceeded its authority. Citing separation of powers, they said “the parliament has intervened in matters that are the responsibility of the executive branch” and warned the amendment may violate Article 61, as legislators “cannot vote on the change of purpose for state expenditures”.
Agency warns of payment disruption
Agency officials warned of immediate effects, saying that since March 1 it has been unable to make payments without an approved budget, while demand for sponsorships continues to increase.
Kettiros rejects spending claims
Committee chairman and Akel MP Nikos Kettiros rejected claims the amendment expands spending, stating “the law does not increase the budget” and criticising how funds have been handled in recent years. “The government cannot come and load millions… saying that I am allocating this money for the refugees, and they will not manage to absorb the funds,” he said, adding that tens of millions have returned to state reserves. “This is €240 million over the last six years.”
Warning of social impact
Kettiros warned that further delays could have serious social consequences.
How should parliament address the budget delay to avoid beneficiaries going unpaid for months?
