drug addicts — The right to treatment for drug addicts has been officially enshrined by the House plenum, marking a significant development in public health policy. The resolution, which guarantees that individuals struggling with addiction will receive the necessary treatment, was passed unanimously during a session on Thursday evening.
Tabled jointly by Disy MPs Kyriacos Hadjiyianni and Rita Superman, the resolution is not a law but reflects a growing recognition of the need for accessible treatment options for those affected by drug addiction. This unanimous support indicates a strong political will to address the ongoing challenges of addiction in society.
Drug addicts: New Faces in Parliament
The plenary session also included the confirmation of George Penintaex as an MP, who will represent the Dipa bench. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Marinos Mousiouttas, who resigned to assume the role of labour minister. Penintaex was previously the first runner-up on the Dipa ticket during the last parliamentary elections in the Nicosia district.
Debates on Energy Strategy
In addition to the resolution on drug treatment, the House approved the budget for the energy regulator Cera for 2026 after a heated debate. This budget allocates €5.93 million for expenditures against projected revenues of €3.1 million. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding the nation’s energy strategy, especially in light of recent power outages attributed to the inability to utilise renewable energy sources effectively.
Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou voiced his concerns, labelling the current energy policies as “criminal” and underlining that Cyprus has the highest electricity prices in Europe relative to purchasing power. He pointed out the precarious state of the country’s energy infrastructure and the challenges facing projects such as the LNG import initiative at Vasiliko and the proposed Great Sea Interconnector, which aims to link Cyprus’s electricity grid with Greece.
Addressing Electoral Challenges
Parliament also tackled a logistical issue regarding candidates with identical names on ballots. With two candidates named Demetris Demetriou from the Disy party running in the same district for upcoming legislative elections, a decision was made to differentiate them by including the first letter of either their father’s or mother’s name. This method aims to prevent voter confusion and ensure clarity in the electoral process.
Other suggestions, such as using nicknames or professions to distinguish between candidates, were ultimately dismissed in favour of a more straightforward approach. The decision reflects an ongoing commitment to improving the electoral process and addressing potential voter concerns.
As the House continues its work, discussions on the 2026 state budget and a proposed tax reform package are on the horizon, with opposition parties expressing intentions to oppose the state budget, claiming it fails to address pressing issues faced by citizens.
