Christodoulides takes on migration, housing, and traffic head-on

Migration, housing and traffic are the subjects the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides focuses on, aiming for immediate and effective resolution, he said, speaking at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) in Limassol on Wednesday afternoon.

Regarding traffic, and referring to Park & Ride bus programme implemented in Nicosia, he mentioned that an ambitious effort started, along with the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, with the first results being evident in the first two weeks, as he said. He noted that the effort will continue with the school buses and will also continue in Limassol.

Regarding housing, the President noted that in the first week of October the Minister of Interior will proceed with the announcement of specific programs with a four-year plan.

Regarding migration, the President said that it is important that for the first time more people are leaving Cyprus than are coming. "We have speeded up the processes, we have more people reviewing the applications, the umbrella of our efforts is to stop our country being seen as an attractive destination."

He noted that measures are being taken so that there will not be a new migration route from Lebanon, while he said that in order for Cyprus to stop being an attractive destination we must "change some of the incentives" used by traffickers to bring migrants to Cyprus.

Moreover, the President presented his priorities for a strong and resilient economy. He noted the need for a tax reform and a reform of the pensions system, while noting the importance of an effective rule of law. Regarding the green transition, the President underlined the importance of households and businesses having access to clean low-cost energy and mentioned a new solar-panel funding scheme being finalized.

Finally, President Christodoulides said that rebranding Cyprus' name internationally was also a priority.