**Title: Limassol Mayor Calls for Increased Funding to Support Local Government Reform**
Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis has emphasized the critical need for enhanced state funding to ensure the success of local government reform in Cyprus. His comments came during a three-hour work stoppage organized by the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, which took place across the island on Monday. The protest was characterized by Armeftis as a “last-ditch effort” to advocate for reforms that genuinely benefit residents.
During the event, Armeftis stressed that municipalities are not seeking privileges but rather “adequate funding” to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. He disputed government assertions that state funding for municipalities has increased, arguing that much of the reported growth is misleading. According to him, the increase primarily reflects the transfer of new responsibilities to municipalities, such as road maintenance, rather than an actual rise in financial support.
Armeftis presented data from the Union of Municipalities, indicating a decline in funding per citizen. He noted that funding has decreased from €188.35 per citizen in 2010 to approximately €155 today. This decline is attributed to the growing population in newly established municipalities, which has not been matched by an increase in funding.
Despite state tax revenues more than doubling in recent years, the mayor pointed out that government funding for municipalities has remained largely stagnant. Newly formed municipalities have also inherited financial obligations from previous communities, further straining their budgets. “The reform of local government cannot succeed without the necessary financial support from the state,” he reiterated.
In light of these challenges, Armeftis and the Union of Municipalities are advocating for a sustainable solution. They oppose any increases in taxes or fees for residents and propose that state funding be linked to a fixed percentage of state revenues. This approach aims to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of municipalities and their ability to serve their communities effectively.
The ongoing discussions and protests highlight the urgency of addressing the financial needs of local governments in Cyprus. As municipalities continue to navigate the complexities of reform, the call for adequate funding remains a central issue in the quest for improved local governance.