When asked about possible economic support measures due to the impact of the war in the Middle East, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that the situation is being continuously monitored and assessed, and decisions will be taken accordingly.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Presidential Palace on 17 March, and asked about rising fuel and energy prices in light of regional developments, the Spokesman said that “the situation is constantly being evaluated", and it will depend on the duration of this regional crisis.
He noted that the electricity subsidy continues, as does the zero VAT rate on basic goods. “Everything is being monitored. As regards fuel, the latest information we have is that at this moment, the price of 95-octane unleaded petrol in our country is the second lowest in the European Union, while diesel is the fourth lowest,” he said.
Asked whether the reduced VAT measures, which are in force until 1 April, will be extended, given the situation, Letymbiotis said that “everything is being evaluated. There are procedures followed by both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, and these will be announced at the appropriate time.”
He added that “this is where the importance and weight of strong fiscal margins and a solid economic foundation are particularly evident, as they allow us to take such measures that can support society and citizens.”
Invited to comment on criticism that the government used the regional crisis for communication purposes, resulting in a misleading image abroad that affects tourism, the Spokesman stressed that normality in the country continues.
“What the government has done is within the framework of what you yourselves have experienced, amid a regional crisis in our immediate neighborhood, in order to ensure the security of the country and its citizens,” he said. He added that European partners have contributed to this effort, “whom we thank once again for both their swift response and their tangible support.”
He also noted that it was “obvious and expected, not only for our country but for the entire region, that in the first days many airlines’ flight schedules were affected.” However, he continued, “we are pleased to see that the vast majority of these flight schedules have returned, except of course for countries at the center of this crisis. This is a very positive development.”
He added that “we are optimistic about this year. Cyprus, our country, continues to be a very high-quality tourist destination, and this is the goal where all our efforts are focused,” reiterating that “we had to do what society required and expected of us,” namely that “the Republic of Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, take all necessary measures to ensure the highest priority, the security of the country and its citizens.”
(Source: CNA)
