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A representative committee speaking on behalf of shopkeepers, residents, small business owners and property owners in Nicosia’s historic commercial centre has called for Mayor Charalambos Prountzos to resign over his handling of plans to redevelop the capital’s pedestrianised streets.
The committee is made up of representatives elected by local associations and organisations in the area. It has accused the mayor of failing to properly address the concerns of businesses and residents during the public consultation process on the proposed redevelopment.
One of its main criticisms concerns the municipality’s decision to appoint PwC under a contract worth tens of thousands of euros. The committee claims public money was used to bring in outside expertise in support of the redevelopment plans, which it argues comes at the expense of small businesses and residents in the city centre.
The dispute comes as the committee prepares to appear before the House Transport Committee on Thursday. MPs are due to discuss the proposed one-way traffic system for the southern section of Makariou Avenue, its impact on the area, as well as other traffic arrangements and plans to reopen the currently closed section of the avenue.
The group has also criticised the mayor's approach to student accommodation being developed in central Nicosia. It claims the projects have been presented as a solution to many of the problems facing the city centre.
The committee further objected to the use of artificial intelligence in municipal announcements, comparing the practice to the work of a real estate agent without sufficient experience or ethical safeguards.
In a statement, the group said it no longer believes there is scope for cooperation with Prountzos and called for his immediate resignation.
“We declare that there is no room for cooperation,” the committee said, adding that it rejects the mayor’s public statements as well as what it described as his private positions on the issue.
