Larnaca Municipality has reacted negatively to the Cypriot government's decision to temporarily hand over the port and marina to a private company.
As a result, discussions on the matter have been postponed until early 2025. A meeting of all stakeholders is expected to take place on 7 January, which will be attended by Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulidis.
Meanwhile, Larnaca mayor Andreas Viras said he would insist on his point of view at the plenary meeting with the president.
The decision on interim administrators could derail the development of the port and marina. The problems with the managers are growing every day and we cannot ignore them," Vyras said.
Incidentally, the mayor of Larnaca has proposed that the Cyprus Maritime and Shipping Institute (CMMI) be appointed as the project's interim administrator. Viras also announced that a protest would be held outside Larnaca port on January 11 if the city's demands are not met.
We want the port authority to stay in Larnaca, at least temporarily,' the mayor said.
It should be recalled that the Cypriot government plans to finance three short-term projects worth €25-30 million to modernise Larnaca's marina.
The projects include the dredging of the marina, the construction of the Maritime Club and landscaping. However, the local authorities have warned that if the government does not meet their demands, they will relinquish their role as client and not carry out the marina projects.