In its first official reaction since the eurogroup decision, opposition Akel – the island’s second largest party, called for the agreement to be put to a referendum.
In a written statement, the party said the agreement was the climax of the first phase of the Troika’s plans against the people of Cyprus. It said the deal does not help tackle the problems facing the economy but only deepens the crisis, as it will lead to more austerity, higher unemployment, privatizations and force many small companies to close down.
It accused Cyprus EU partners of cynicism and said the only option was to look for a solution outside the Troika.
“It is our conviction that the agreement Anastiades- Eurogroup will be the start of new troubles for Cyprus and its people,” it said, adding that it would propose ways to help Cyprus out of the crisis.
At the same time, the party proposed holding a referendum on the agreement and for procedures to be set in motion to punish those responsible for the problems besetting the Cyprus economy. It said the Central Bank governor should submit to the House of Representatives the names of all those politicians and state officials and their relatives who had taken money out of the country before last week’s eurogroup meeting on Cyprus decided on a haircut on deposits.

Cyprus Weekly
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