Newsroom
Political parties are urging immediate action against energy poverty following a series of fatal fires caused by unsafe heating conditions.
AKEL spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas criticized the government, stating that "Cyprus in 2025 has reached the point of counting deaths due to poverty." He warned that rising costs and inadequate heating are driving low-income citizens into destitution and pushing the middle class downward. With new green taxes looming, Koukoumas stressed the urgency of relief measures. AKEL demands a reduction in VAT on electricity from 19% to 9%, taxation on renewable energy companies' windfall profits, and automatic inclusion of vulnerable groups in cheaper electricity tariffs.
Volt echoed concerns, noting that eight people have died in fires or from toxic fumes in the past month alone. The party called for urgent inspections of residential buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards, stricter regulation of electrical appliances, and stronger social support to prevent further tragedies.
Eurostat data shows that in 2022, nearly 19.2% of Cypriots could not afford to heat their homes. With over 130,000 households relying on risky heating sources, Volt criticized the government’s inaction, arguing that promises of improved living conditions remain unfulfilled.
Both parties stress that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of life and protect society’s most vulnerable citizens.
