Yesterday’s approval by Parliament of the bills on tax reform dominates today’s newspaper front pages. Reference is also made to the trilateral summit of Cyprus, Greece and Israel, the approval of the bill and regulations on the evaluation of teachers, as well as the attack on a barber shop linked to a suspect wanted in connection with an attempted murder case in Limassol.
Alithia runs its main story under the headline “Parliament Said Yes, Even If It Is Lower”, referring to the passage of the tax reform bills, under which a tax-free income threshold of €22,000 was approved instead of the proposed €24,500. Elsewhere, it reports that the bill on the evaluation of teachers was also passed. Alithia additionally features statements by politicians and analysts regarding the government’s handling of the GSI.
Politis headlines its main story “The Middle Class Is Constantly Being Squeezed”, writing that 27.8% of the population falls into the lowest income bracket, while 14.6% are at risk of poverty, according to data from the Statistical Service. In another report, Politis highlights what it describes as an “attack” by prison officers’ unions against PASYDY, against the backdrop of ongoing problems at the Central Prisons. It also reports on what was agreed at the trilateral summit of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “A Strong Message to Turkey”, writes that Cyprus, Greece and Israel have strengthened their trilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security. Elsewhere, it reports on the approval of the tax reform bills and who stands to benefit, as well as on the passage of the bill and regulations concerning the evaluation of teachers.
Haravgi leads with the headline “An Unjust and Incomplete Tax Reform”, stating that benefits were granted to accumulated wealth while “crumbs” were left for low-income groups. It also reports that the majority in Parliament voted in favour of the evaluation of teachers, but that the “wounds” remain open. In addition, Haravgi highlights the pace at which applications are being processed at the Larnaca District Administration Organisation.
The English-language Cyprus Mail headlines its main story “Parliament Finally Approves Sweeping Tax Reform”, referring to the bills passed by the Plenary and outlining what changes, alongside comments by the Minister of Finance. Elsewhere, it reports on the outcomes of the trilateral summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. It also highlights problems arising from Australia’s rejection of halloumi due to concerns over foot-and-mouth disease.