The Cypriot government is facing growing pressure to revise its land allocation plan for low-income families.
On Thursday 27 March, MPs said they were pushing for more transparency and accountability in the implementation of the state programme, amid fears that the current criteria for land distribution are being applied inconsistently.
The issue was a central topic of discussion at a meeting of the House of Representatives' Public Accounts Committee, which discussed the Court of Audit's 2022 report. The document revealed numerous irregularities and a lack of uniform standards in the application of the scheme's criteria.
The chairman of the committee, DIKO MP Zacharias Koulias, expressed concern about the discrepancies found. He noted that the Interior Ministry has been asked to explain whether the discrepancies found are justified or constitute illegal exemptions.
The programme has played an important role in supporting generations of families in difficulty. However, given the growing housing affordability crisis, its implementation mechanism needs to be reviewed," Koulias said.
He stressed that the government should come up with a comprehensive housing programme within three months, adding that the Attorney General's Office is currently examining possible changes to the programme's selection criteria. Koulias also called on the Minister of the Interior and the Director-General of the Agency to appear before the committee and present an updated housing strategy. Among the key recommendations under consideration is the possibility of increasing building heights in urban areas, which would allow more efficient use of land without affecting rural areas.
Urgent measures are needed as the housing crisis is worsening," the official stressed.
DISY MP Savia Orfanidou, for her part, echoed Koulias' concerns, noting that the existing plan faces serious difficulties in implementation.
The most important thing is to revise the plan quickly so that it will actually help solve the housing crisis,' she said, stressing that a legal review of the proposed changes is already underway.
Orfanidou also criticised the government, arguing that insufficient and unsystematic measures are failing to stabilise the situation.
Despite the steps taken, the crisis is getting worse,' she warned, adding that housing policy should become a government priority rather than depending on piecemeal budgetary decisions.
She suggested that additional resources be allocated to the implementation of comprehensive measures that could have a real impact on the situation. AKEL MP Christos Christofides took a harder line, expressing disappointment at the lack of clear rules in the land allocation process. He warned that as a result, decisions are being made selectively and in some cases arbitrarily.
When the rules are vague, there is always a risk of abuse, be it due to social factors, subjective decisions or even personal interests, Christofides said.
He called on the Council of Ministers to clearly define the selection criteria and oblige provincial administrations to strictly follow the rules. Independent MP Alexandra Attalides also stressed the importance of fair and transparent procedures, warning that the current system prevents many vulnerable families from accessing housing.
Strict controls and clear rules will give real hope to families in need. We must act urgently to strengthen social cohesion and prevent further impoverishment,' she said.
The debate showed growing concern among MEPs about the effectiveness of the programme and the need for urgent reforms to address its current shortcomings. The issue of affordable housing remains a key challenge that needs to be addressed immediately by the government.