The House Plenary is expected to decide today whether to approve or reject the controversial bill by the Ministry of Finance, which would allow Cyta to expand its operations into the energy sector.

The majority of MPs appear to be leaning toward approving the bill, while some parties may choose to abstain.

DISY, DIKO, and DIPA have so far signaled a positive stance toward Cyta’s move into the energy sector.

DISY President Annita Demetriou informally assured Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, during a recent meeting, that her party would vote in favor of both the Cyta bill and the one concerning foreclosures, based also on proposals by the Financial Ombudsman.

At the same time, it has not gone unnoticed among parliamentary parties that a confrontation is unfolding between two of the country’s most important semi-governmental organizations: EAC and Cyta.

With parliamentary elections approaching, EAC employees are criticizing the government, arguing that there has never been a clear strategic plan for the future, particularly regarding Cyta’s entry into the energy sector.

The decision of Parliament is expected to be judged by employees of both organizations based on their own interests, as well as those of the two semi-governmental entities.

On the other hand, Cyta employees are equally vocal about the need for the organization to expand into a sector which, they argue, has so far failed to provide cheaper electricity to households and businesses.

“Cyta can do it and has already proven itself in the market, especially after the liberalization of telecommunications,” a senior executive of the organization said.

Even parties or independent MPs who intend to vote in favor of the bill are expected to strongly criticize the government and the relevant ministries, echoing concerns raised during the three-hour work stoppage by EAC employees.

Kyriakos Tafounas, President of EPOPAI-OHO-SEK, stated that successive governments failed to move forward with projects that would strengthen EAC’s role in providing cheaper electricity to consumers, instead acting, in his view, in favor of private interests.

He spoke of a lack of strategic planning by the state and called on consumers to support EAC staff, highlighting the absence of a long-term policy in the energy sector.

He also raised concerns about the role of certain current and former state officials, questioning whether they acted in the public interest and claiming that some are now linked to companies operating in the energy sector.

He further criticized the absence of the Energy Minister from discussions with unions, suggesting that there is more willingness to meet with representatives of private interests.

Tafounas defended EAC’s work, noting the rapid response of its crews in emergency situations, such as the major wildfires in Limassol last summer, adding that the organization should not be discredited.

EAC employees avoided targeting Cyta or its staff, separating the responsibilities of the state and Parliament from those of the organization and its workforce.

Regarding the legislative branch, he recalled that Parliament had passed a regulation allowing private entities to construct networks in public and private spaces, citing delays on the part of EAC.

As for EAC’s social contribution, he highlighted initiatives such as replacing lighting with LED, installing photovoltaic systems in schools, hospitals, and other facilities, as well as developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Regarding the power station in Dekeleia, he noted that it operates with units over 40 years old, which face serious operational issues.

Finally, he referred to delays in projects such as desalination and central energy storage, as well as EAC’s participation with €43 million in energy infrastructure, raising questions about how those funds have been used.

Source: Brief