**Athienou and Strovolos Municipalities to Protest Over State Funding Dispute**
The municipalities of Athienou and Strovolos are set to hold peaceful protests on Monday in response to what they describe as “insufficient state support for local government.” The demonstrations will occur from 9 AM to 12 PM outside the Athienou municipal hall and in the courtyard of the Strovolos municipal hall.
Both municipalities have expressed their concerns over the state’s approach to funding local government, arguing that inadequate financial support is compelling them to consider raising fees and charges for public services. In statements released by the councils, they highlighted that instead of providing necessary funding, the state appears to be shifting the financial burden onto the municipalities and, ultimately, the citizens.
“The state should be supporting local government through adequate and fair funding,” the Athienou municipality stated. “However, it seems to be transferring the financial responsibility to the municipalities themselves.” This sentiment was echoed by Strovolos, which cautioned that the public should not bear the consequences of the state’s insufficient support for local government.
The protests aim to draw attention to these funding issues and advocate for a more supportive approach from the state. Both municipalities have called on employees and residents who wish to participate to do so voluntarily. They have assured municipal staff that there will be no repercussions for those who choose to either join the protest or continue their work during the demonstration.
In preparation for the protests, Strovolos has indicated that it will implement measures to ensure that essential services remain operational. The municipality has advised residents who need assistance at municipal offices to schedule their visits either before or after the three-hour protest period.
The demonstrations reflect a growing concern among local governments in Cyprus regarding their financial sustainability and the need for adequate state support to maintain essential services for their communities. As the protests approach, both municipalities are hopeful that their actions will prompt a reconsideration of the current funding structure and lead to a more equitable distribution of resources for local governance.