26 February 2025 - Economic inequality costs lives

Although investigations into the causes of some incidents are still ongoing, the message is clear: thousands of our fellow citizens are forced to live in dangerous conditions due to economic difficulties.

 According to data, over 130,000 residential units in Cyprus use heaters (electric, gas, oil, etc.) as their main means of heating, which increases the risk of fire or poisoning from fumes. The risk is exacerbated by the use of old or unsuitable electrical appliances, the lack of maintenance of electrical installations, as well as living in dilapidated buildings that do not meet basic safety standards.

 Volt sounds the alarm, a reminder that the protection of citizens is primarily the responsibility of the state. Immediate measures are required.

 The state, in cooperation with local authorities, must urgently proceed with:

• Inspections of premises, in order to determine whether they have the required permits and safe electrical installations.

• Inspection of electrical appliances on the market, in order to withdraw those that do not meet safety criteria.

• Prevention and support through social services, so that no citizen puts their life at risk due to poverty or abandonment, ensuring the minimum level of decent living.

 It is no coincidence that, according to Eurostat, in 2022 one in five citizens (19.2%) in Cyprus stated that they were unable to heat their home. These numbers are not just statistics. They are human lives. And there is no excuse for inaction.

 When our fellow citizens lose their lives because they do not have safe means of heating in their homes, the President’s announcements to improve everyday life and enhance the safety of all citizens prove to be empty and incapable of addressing the real problems that threaten the safety and well-being of citizens.