Local administration reform Bills to be submitted to Parliament

Local administration reform Bills will be submitted to Parliament, Cyprus` Interior Minister Nicos Nouris has said, expressing the government`s wish that they are voted into legislation before the summer holidays.

Speaking during a press conference today, Nouris presented the two Bills, which have to do with reform of municipal authorities and community authorities and said that together with the two Bills the government is sending to parliament a document which includes two alternative scenarios for the merger of different municipalities and communities in the District of Larnaca and Famagusta.

He also said that a letter by the Council of Europe`s relevant directorate will also be included which replies to the question as to whether the government’s decision not to go ahead with referenda is in accordance with the organisation`s Local Administration Charter. According the Nouris, the letter says that the government`s decision is "absolutely right and is in accordance with the Local Administration Charter`s content."

Our expectation, he noted, is now that "there is a very quick discussion of the Bills in Parliament." He expressed his readiness to attend the parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs meetings even twice per week in order for the Bills be voted on before the summer holidays.

Nouris spoke of the need for administrative and financial independence of municipalities, noting, among other things, that the Bill ends state intervention in many decisions by the local administration, that it provides for an internal audit unit, that a municipal police will be established and that municipalities` income will increase by 70% with an annual income expected to be around €120 million per year.
 
Referring to the alternative scenario included in a document accompanying the Bills, the Interior Minister said that they provide for Larnaca District, a merger of Aradippou Municipality with the communities of Kellia, Troulloi and Oroklini, that Larnaca Municipality would then merge with the Municipality of Livadia and Dromolaxia - Meneou and that another two Municipalities, those of Lefkara and Athienou would remain as they are today.

On Famagusta District, the alternative scenario includes a merger of Ayia Napa and Sotira Municipalities with the Liopetri Community. In this case, Paralmni and Derynia Municipalities would also merge, while a third Municipality comprised the Communities of Avgorou, Frenaros, Achna and Acheritou Communities would be established. In this scenario the total number of municipalities in Cyprus would be 18 instead of 17 which is the number provided for in the Bill. 

At the same time, Nouris also said that due to the great reform to take place, the government`s proposal provides for municipal elections to take place in 2024 instead of 2021, pointing out that this would give enough time for a transitional preparatory period, would save money because they would take place at the same time as European elections and would reduce the number of election procedures which would be beneficial for citizens.

He expressed his belief that parliamentary parties would show understanding over the government`s proposal.

Nouris also said that an agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Interior, the Union of Municipalities, the Union of Cyprus Communities and trade unions which provides that the rights of municipal staff will be protected.