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President: Not all 56 needed for plenary

08/04/2015 11:07
The President of the Republic warned the parliament about the discussion on postponing the vote on the insolvency framework, referring to serving the interests of large debtors.

In a journalist remark that some accuse the government that the president’s trip abroad on the 17th is scheduled because of the bill for foreclosures, he answered that "I don’t want to be hostile towards anyone, but to express my disappointment '.

Due to the absence of the president, the parliament speaker and member of the parliament Yiannakis Omirou will not be able to vote leaving a narrow majority, instead of a tie between the members that will vote for and against the five laws on insolvency.

Mr. Omirou asked that the plenary session be postponed to be able to vote.

"We have started now a conspiracy mechanism as if it is a matter of who wins in terms of political parties. And they do not see that the effort for the rejection of this legislation which fully safeguards vulnerable groups, in the end affects Cyprus itself" the president said today.

"It's unprecedented to hear that for a vote or a meeting of the parliament all 56 members should be present. You are living in Cyprus, when was there a session of the House adjourned because all 56 members were not present? But I am asking you something and let those who make arrangements about the rejection or postponement reflect: If the next time MPs who support the law are absent, what will happen then? The vote will be postponed until all 56 are there and the international obligations of the house will be abandoned? I think more seriousness is needed by all.

I understand it is a serious bill. There have already been multitude amendments from all political forces. What is important right now? We are behind schedule with the program since last summer, we have a bunch of advantages created through the adoption of legislation as it has been formed through interventions from the parties. What are some people trying for? Whose interests in practice - and I regret that I am now compelled to speak the way I speak - benefit from this postponement and continued delay? Who apart from large debtors? Who refuse to restructure their loans?

For the sake of information I am telling you that during the meetings I have had with bank managements, the vulnerable groups are the most consistent regarding their obligations and they are fully protected and will be fully protected legally and in practice.

Therefore I call for everyone to take responsibility and stop this self destruction attempt. We have managed a lot and there is a lot more left. Everyone’s help is needed. Dogmatisms do not benefit anyone".