MPs voice anger as budget delay leaves refugee agency unable to pay

Disagreement erupted in parliament on Tuesday over the postponement of the equal burden distribution agency’s budget, with MPs warning that delays risk leaving beneficiaries unpaid for months as the legislature approaches dissolution ahead of the May elections.

The issue was examined by the House refugee committee following the referral of the agency’s budget law, particularly an amendment passed by parliament to utilise unallocated funds from the 0.4 per cent property transfer levy for refugee support.

Government officials pushed back against the amendment, with finance ministry representative Marios Hadjidamianou arguing that “this specific need is covered through the budget” and that no additional provision for the fund was required.

Legal service representatives raised constitutional concerns, saying parliament had overstepped its authority.

Citing the principle of separation of powers, they argued that “the parliament has intervened in matters that are the responsibility of the executive branch” and warned the amendment may violate Article 61, as legislators “cannot vote on the change of purpose for state expenditures”.

From the agency’s side, officials warned of immediate consequences, saying that since March 1 it has been unable to proceed with payments due to the absence of an approved budget, while demand for sponsorships continues to mount.

Committee chairman and Akel MP, Nikos Kettiros, rejected claims that the amendment expands spending, insisting “the law does not increase the budget” and criticising the handling of funds in recent years.

“The government cannot come and load millions… saying that I am allocating this money for the refugees, and they will not manage to absorb the funds,” he said, adding that tens of millions have effectively returned to state reserves.

“This is €240 million over the last six years.”

Kettiros warned that further delays could have serious social consequences.

“If it does not pass in the next session… people will remain unpaid until September when the new parliament comes,” he said, stressing that students in particular need immediate financial support for housing and basic expenses.

Diko MP Zacharias Koulias backed the amendment, arguing the funds in question have already been approved and should be redirected to meet urgent needs, while Dipa MP George Penintaex described the committee as being “in a tight spot” given both the budget impasse and the limited time left in the current parliamentary term.

The committee also examined pressures facing refugees and other affected communities.

Representatives of associations for prisoners of war and 1974 veterans described minimal state support, with monthly allowances ranging from just €7 to €70 depending on income.

Penintaex called the payments “insulting”, saying “personally, as a veteran myself, I receive €8. It is considered insulting for me, but much more so for the state itself,” and argued that support should not be tied to pension levels.

Veteran’s association president, Alkiviades Theori, highlighted unresolved demands including healthcare support and pension penalties, saying “the state must treat the warriors of 1974 with respect and justice”.

Separately, MPs raised concerns over rising rents and safety issues in the Pano Polemidia area, calling for a freeze on increases until authorities address infrastructure gaps.

Disy MP Rita Theodorou Superman criticised the state’s approach, saying “this is not a management policy, but rather a shifting of responsibility”.