Government to propose policies to benefit the people

The government will continue to propose policies beneficial for the country and its citizens and collaborate with all parties in Parliament, Government Spokesperson Κonstantinos Letymbiotis told CNA. He also referred to the issue of sanctions, energy planning, and how they intend to intervene regarding energy affordability.

In his interview with the Cyprus News Agency, the Spokesperson was asked whether the government considers closed the issue of the list of sanctions following the US Ambassador's remarks to 'Phileleftheros' daily that the Americans are targeting the Russian oligarchs and Vladimir Putin and what the government intends to do if there is a new list. "What is of essence to us is that Cyprus is not the target of these lists," he said.

Letymbiotis noted "we are pleased to see that the determination of the government, the willingness for full clarification and investigation of these issues is being acknowledged," and at the same time shows that the Republic of Cyprus, "is a reliable country that the US, the EU, and the UK can trust. And we heard this from the most official sources."

The Spokesperson further said that "we are at a very good point regarding Cyprus' international reputation, the preservation of the country's name as a financial centre". This, he said, was the first challenge that the new government had to overcome, "to prevent any shadows from falling over Cyprus."

Letymbiotis said that it is known that the Cypriot economy was connected to the Russian one, yet Cyprus - quite rightly - from the very moment of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, "stood on the right side of history."

All the information provided to Cypriot authorities regarding these lists will be thoroughly investigated, the Spokesperson said, adding that they are being evaluated by the Legal Service. Letymbiotis said that circumventing European sanctions constitutes a criminal offence. He also reminded of the President's message that if it is proven that someone bypassed these sanctions, whoever they may be, they will be brought to justice.

Regarding the possibility of another list, he stated that they do not have such information. He also said they are focusing on establishing mechanisms for implementing sanctions.

At the same time, he expressed the conviction that all political forces will demonstrate the necessary responsibility, prudence, and willingness to cooperate on major issues that concern the people and they will acknowledge the positive developments taking place.

Regarding the government's energy planning, he said it primarily includes covering local needs and filling the gap that arises from the EU's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Additionally, it considers whether Cyprus can approach countries in the region on the issue.

The goal, he said, is to combine these three aspects as soon as possible. After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements following the President's visit to Israel, "we can say that conditions are being created, we have more options" and we will explore which option will open up Cyprus' horizons more directly, he added.

Letymbiotis said that natural gas is a transitional fuel for the green transition, "a significant challenge not only for Cyprus but for the entire EU". He said the "abundant sunshine" is a positive element, which is advantageous for Cyprus due to its small size, adding the government is encouraging the development of renewables and the green bond issued around a month ago, with the proceeds being channeled into the development of such energy sources.

Natural gas and our natural resources should operate simultaneously with the development of renewable energy sources towards the great goal of the green transition, he said.

Asked if measures would be announced to reduce electricity costs, the Spokesperson reminded that the electricity subsidy will be extended until the end of June, emphasising that these measures cannot be permanent and are reassessed every two months. "If there is a need to continue them, they will continue. But these measures cannot be permanent," he said.

He also noted that one of the government's initial decisions was the implementation of virtual net billing, and said that the upgrading of the RES (Renewable Energy Sources) network is being planned with a specific timeline to integrate large-scale photovoltaic parks, as well as addressing the issue of storage.

Furthermore, the existing subsidy schemes for installing RES, photovoltaic systems, or replacing energy-intensive appliances and thermal insulation will be expanded. "We aim to broaden the beneficiaries, to open up opportunities so that as many households and Cypriot consumers as possible can install RES, within the state's  fiscal capabilities," he added.

Asked to comment on a statement by the ENI representative that energy plans in the Eastern Mediterranean cannot exclude Turkey, the Government Spokesperson stated that ENI is a private company and its representative expressed an opinion on a geopolitical issue. Opinions are always respected, he noted, emphasising that a private company cannot have such a clear orientation on such a geopolitical issue.

Replying to a question about the government's first 90 days, the Spokesman said that significant progress has been made with the tabling of bills on long-debated issues, such as energy, the zero VAT rate on certain food items, the upcoming reduced VAT rate, and the resolution of the Cost of Living Allowance matter.

Letymbiotis said a great deal of work is being done, and both the President and the government aim to be beneficial, so that in the next five years, they can look back and say, "Yes, we contributed and made this place a little better."