The House plenary approved on Wednesday, by majority, the state budget for 2018.

Thirty MPs from ruling Democratic Rally DISY, the Democratic Party and the Solidarity Movement voted in favour and 26 from left-wing AKEL, the Social Democrats Movement EDEK, the Citizens` Alliance, the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens` Cooperation (the Greens), the National Popular Front and independent MP Pavlos Mylonas voted against.

The budget provides for revenues amounting to € 7.7 billion and € 7.53 billion total expenditure. The budget surplus is € 177 million, while the primary surplus (excluding debt servicing costs) is estimated at € 733.6 million.

The Citizens` Alliance, EDEK, ELAM and independent MP Pavlos Mylonas voted in favour of the funds for the defence and the National Health Scheme. Mylonas also voted in favour of funds for the enclaved in the occupied by Turkey areas of Cyprus and the benefits for low income groups.

AKEL and the Greens voted against the entire budget.

Finance Minister Harris Georgiades who was present at the plenary`s session welcomed the approval of the state budget for 2018 and thanked the political parties that voted in favour.

“This budget will allow us to further consolidate the growth perspective, a budget that ensures stability, a budget which does not provide for any measures, charges and taxes, as in the past,” he said. On the contrary, as he noted, it provides for new projects and new policies that the country needs.

He also thanked the political parties, that “have addressed the disagreements we have in a responsible way”, adding that “we can continue this effort based on consensus, understanding and responsible decisions.”

Minister of Health Giorgos Pamboridis was also present during the voting.