DISY and Direct Democracy have responded to criticism over the agreement that led to Annita Demetriou’s re-election as Speaker of the House, insisting it was based on social policy priorities rather than political exchanges or presidential election calculations.
DISY said the agreement focused on three key areas: housing, support for families and measures to assist pensioners. The party stressed that these policies were already part of its election platform and described the arrangement as a transparent political agreement rather than an exchange of favours.
The party also thanked Direct Democracy for its support, stating that no political concessions or rewards were requested in return. At the same time, it acknowledged that any measures would need to take into account fiscal realities, constitutional limitations and the long-term sustainability of public finances and the Social Insurance Fund.
For its part, Direct Democracy outlined areas of common ground with DISY, including increased support for families with children, stronger assistance for low-income pensioners and efforts to address the housing crisis.
On family policy, the movement supports enhanced financial assistance for parents and measures aimed at addressing declining birth rates. On pensions, it backs significant increases for low and middle-income pensioners, provided reforms remain financially sustainable and do not require higher contributions from workers or businesses.
Regarding housing, both sides agree that increasing the supply of affordable homes is essential. Proposed measures include greater use of state land, support for affordable housing projects and incentives aimed at expanding the housing stock and reducing pressure on prices and rents.
Both parties stressed that many of the proposals ultimately depend on cooperation from the executive branch, as Parliament cannot unilaterally increase state spending under Cyprus’ constitutional framework.
Source: Phileleutheros
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