In view of the resumption of the debate on Local Government Reform in the House of Representatives, the Municipality of Geroskipou reaffirms its determination to create a Municipality of Eastern Paphos, led by the Municipality of Geroskipou.

It is the constitutional right of the House of Representatives to introduce changes to this particular bill. We recall that during the previous parliamentary term the majority of the Parliamentary Committee on the Interior had concluded in favour of establishing twenty municipalities (not seventeen, as was the Ministry of the Interior’s proposal). Among these municipalities was the Municipality of Eastern Paphos.

We expect that the competent Committee of the House will maintain this position and reaffirm its recommendation for the creation of the Municipality of Eastern Paphos. We recall that the Municipality of Geroskipou has proven, through two independent studies as well as through that of the Ministry of the Interior itself, that it is a viable municipality which, together with the neighbouring communities, can create a strong municipality in eastern Paphos for the benefit of the area’s residents. It goes without saying, of course, that there is no European requirement or condition regarding the number of municipalities.

Finally, we call on the Ministry of the Interior to reconsider its negative stance towards the Municipality of Geroskipou and to take seriously into account the will of the local community.