A three-hour work stoppage by municipalities is proceeding on Monday from 9am to 12pm, despite a new government funding proposal submitted by the Interior Ministry on Friday.
Speaking to Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6 on the programme Proini Epitheorisi, Amathounta Mayor Kyriakos Xydias said the industrial action was a collective decision and that municipal offices would not be serving the public during the stoppage.
Referring to the ministry's revised proposal, Mr Xydias said it was submitted "at the last moment, on Friday afternoon" and required careful study. He added, however, that municipalities remain willing to engage in discussions "with arguments and evidence" in an effort to reach a solution.
Dispute over local authority funding
Mr Xydias disputed claims that the figures presented by government amount to a genuine increase in state funding for municipalities.
He referred to €12 million linked to building permit fees, arguing that this revenue previously belonged to municipalities before responsibility was transferred to the District Local Government Organisations (EOAs).
He also cited €15 million for the maintenance of primary roads, a responsibility that has likewise been transferred to municipalities.
"Those €15 million and €12 million cannot now be counted as an increase," he said.
Mr Xydias further argued that 63 communities had been incorporated into municipalities without the corresponding level of state funding.
Municipalities are seeking a permanent funding formula tied to an economic indicator, allowing state grants to increase when the economy performs well and decrease during weaker periods.
Allegations of violence in water sports sector
The mayor also raised concerns about what he described as serious incidents linked to the water sports sector in Limassol.
"There are some people involved in water sports who believe these areas belong to them and that they can do whatever they want," he said.
Mr Xydias said he had already contacted the District Administration, the Police and the Interior Ministry, calling for immediate intervention.
"I demand that the District Administration take immediate action because this situation cannot continue," he said.
He alleged that there have been repeated incidents involving violence and assaults.
Russian citizen reportedly assaulted
Mr Xydias specifically referred to a recent incident involving a Russian national who, according to the mayor, became involved in an altercation with the operator of a water sports facility and was subsequently assaulted.
He said police attended the scene and made an arrest, adding that he had been informed a warrant had also been issued for a second individual.
According to Mr Xydias, the incident was not isolated and forms part of a broader pattern requiring action by the relevant authorities.
"I hope that everyone will assume their responsibilities," he said, again urging the District Administration to intervene immediately "to restore order".
