The government will be continuously evaluating local self-government reform to improve everyday life for the public, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday while attending the 44th annual general assembly of the union of municipalities.

The president referred to the government’s fiscal responsibility, which has brought results, such as the recent upgrade of the country’s economy to category A after 13 years.


“We are accountable to the Cypriot people, and it is our priority to make decisions that improve their daily life,” he said.

“This year’s general assembly is of particular importance for local government, as 2024 marks our entry into a new era with the implementation of the reform from July 1,” which has not been without its challenges, Christodoulides said.

Acknowledging that some corrections are in order, he stressed that the reform needs to be constantly evaluated so that changes can be made if need be.

“We recognise that the new legislative framework, although important, presents weaknesses and distortions. And precisely for this reason, from the very first month of our government, we proceeded, at the initiative of the interior minister, to promote amending bills, with the aim of correcting such issues.”

Christodoulides added that the government is determined to support the municipalities for the effective implementation of the reform along with the necessary changes that need to be made.

“Our sole aim and pursuit, through our initiatives, is to ensure that there is a functional and sustainable system that provides the public with high-level services, improving their daily lives,” he reiterated.

With regard to financial sustainability, the president said that the state sponsorship of €117 million is €47 million more than in the past and its allocation will enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency.

The government is also aware of and willing to work on solving backdated issues that have long concerned municipalities, such as immovable property taxation, 15 per cent municipal contributions and “pay as you throw” schemes.

Along with the reform, the union of municipalities will now be a public law organisation and as a partner of the state, will also strengthen its ability to effectively represent local governance at national and European level.

In his own address, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that the successful implementation of the reform is a priority, and simultaneously a challenge.

“The new order of things is an improvement of the former arrangement which was no longer serving its purpose nor the people,” he said.

“We continue to work collectively for a better local government, since our common goal is a local government that operates effectively, is close to the public and provides high-quality services,” he added.
Assuring that his ministry is constantly evaluating the situation, Ioannou said that the main goal is to spot and resolve challenges in collaboration with all stakeholders.

To this end, he said the House interior committee is working with the municipalities on a second batch of amendments for the improvement of the legislative network, adding that three more bills have been sent to the legal service for evaluation.