The President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Christodoulides discussed with the Attorney General of the Republic the issue concerning the failure of the House of Representatives to pass the Government's bill as submitted, which extended the non-imposition of fuel taxes by half of the excise tax, but with an amendment in such a way that the full exemption of fuel excise tax continues.
Although it is the opinion of the Attorney General that there are grounds for referring the Act to the Supreme Court or remitting it to the House of Representatives, the President of the Republic, considering the fact that any referral and/or petition of the law would result in fuel prices returning to pre-reduction levels as of May 5, 2023, with the cost being fully borne by consumers pending consideration of either the referral or petition, decided to sign the law as is.
However, it is noted that the targeting of government benefits, bearing in mind also the maintenance of fiscal balance, is the sole responsibility of the Executive under the Constitution.
The bill sent to Parliament and rejected by the House was part of a broader package of support for vulnerable groups, households and citizens in general, such as, for example, yesterday's decision by the Council of Ministers on a zero VAT rate on essentials.
With regard to the law on Turkish Cypriot property, the President of the Republic decided to refer this law to the Supreme Court, authorising the Attorney General of the Republic for this purpose.
(PM/EP/SX)
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