House plenary begins debate on 2008 state budget

Cyprus House plenary began here today a four-day debate on the 2008 state budget. The state budget for 2008, which is the last to be presented in Cyprus pounds before the country adopts the Euro in January 2008, provides for revenues of CYP3,3 billion and expenditure of CYP3,8 billion.
Left-wing AKEL Parliamentary Spokesman Nicos Katsourides said that his party will vote for the budget despite its “deficiencies”.
He noted that during the period discussed, Cyprus economy developed in a satisfying pace, which reached 3,8%, slightly lower than 2006. He said that at the same time both extraneous and domestic factors resulted to the growing of inflation, which exceeded 3%.
Right wing Democratic Rally (DISY) President Nicos Anastasiades said that the state budget has no vision and that his party will not give its support to it.
He said that at the eve of Cyprus’ accession to the Eurozone, the state budget should depict a route towards modernization and reforms but instead it just includes economic figures.
Centre-right Decmocratic Party (DIKO) President Marios Karoyian said his party will vote for the state budget, adding that his party supports the government in its effort to implement its programme of governance.
He added that through this budget the government sets out its main goals and guide lines for a responsible and prudent financial policy.
Social Democrats Movement President Yiannakis Omirou said his party will vote for the 2008 state budget expressing his trust towards the government and the financial prospects.
Omirou said that Cyprus economy is growing at a rapid pace and statistics show that GDP increase has accelerated in relation to previous years.
European Party President Demetris Syllouris expressed his satisfaction that this year’s budget aims at the further growth of Cyprus economy, the improvement of the life quality of citizens and the creation of conditions for greater prosperity.
He welcomed Cyprus’ accession to the Eurozone as of 1st January 2008, adding that his party will vote for the 2008 state budget.
General Secretary of Ecologists-Environmentalists Party George Perdikis said his party looked into the state budget through its ecologic approach and ideology.
He noted that they will stand by the government so that it can implement its programmes or plans for sustainable development.