The House of Representatives opened debate on the 2026 state budget on Monday with party leaders placing strong emphasis on the worsening economic pressures faced by vulnerable groups, urging the government to adopt deeper and more targeted social support policies.
While most parties acknowledged the solid performance of public finances, they also voiced concern about rising mandatory expenditures and the growing public-sector wage bill. DISY, DIKO, DIPA and EDEK confirmed they will vote in favour of the budget, citing the need for responsibility and stability, while AKEL stated it will vote against, arguing the document fails to meet social needs. The Greens and ELAM did not specify their voting intentions.
DISY: No room for risk-taking with the economy
House President and DISY leader Annita Demetriou said her party will support the budget despite what she described as misplaced government priorities.
“With the economy, we do not play games,” she said. “We want to correct what we disagree with without demolishing what has been achieved. The Democratic Rally will demonstrate responsibility and vote for the budget.”
Demetriou said more must be done for low-income households, families with children, students, the middle class and small businesses struggling with high operating costs. She framed tax reform as an opportunity for meaningful relief.
AKEL: A budget without vision or social grounding
AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou argued that the 2026 budget does not reflect or respond to the realities faced by society.
“The budget does not serve a long-term strategy for a sustainable, resilient and socially oriented economy,” he said. “There is no vision and no strategic planning for a fair development model.”
Stefanou criticised the government for celebrating macroeconomic performance while ignoring the lived reality of low-income workers, pensioners and young families unable to access affordable housing.
DIKO: Strong indicators, but two economic realities
DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos acknowledged that economic indicators are historically strong but said many citizens have not felt the benefits.
“Pensioners, refugees and vulnerable groups have not seen equivalent income growth,” he said. “Income support has not kept pace with the cost of living.”
ELAM: Immediate action needed for dignity and fairness
Speaking on behalf of ELAM president Christos Christou, MP Linos Papagiannis said the state must introduce measures that guarantee dignity and social justice for all, ensuring that welfare policies mirror real societal needs.
EDEK: Support the budget, but strengthen protections
Former EDEK president Marinos Sizopoulos said his party will vote for the budget but insisted on more robust support for vulnerable groups.
He said government policy has delivered “unprecedented economic growth by European standards,” but must now shift towards macroeconomic stability and strengthened social cohesion.
DIPA: Growth must translate into real improvement
DIPA president Marios Karoyian argued that positive economic indicators must lead to a tangible rise in living standards.
“No economic achievement is complete unless it is reflected in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
Greens: Young people and small businesses under strain
Green Party leader Stavros Papadouris said the budget contains positive elements but also clear shortcomings.
“The lower and middle classes are under pressure,” he said, adding that young people struggle to establish independent lives, form families or even imagine a more hopeful future.
As the debate continues this week, it is evident that while the 2026 budget may secure the votes needed for passage, political pressure is intensifying for a more targeted and socially responsive economic strategy.