The risk of employees in semi-state organizations going unpaid, and the potential inability of these organizations to function after the end of February, has been highlighted by both the Speaker of the House, Annita Dimitriou, and AKEL MP Aristos Damianou.

Following the legislative work of the House, Mr. Damianou expressed concerns about the government's plans for semi-state organizations, which he referred to as extensions of governmental policy. He questioned whether the government intends to close entities like RIK and KOA or other semi-state bodies whose budgets for 2024 have yet to be submitted to the House.

He stated his constitutional inability to comprehend how they could now examine budgets that might be submitted as late as February 29, the last day even for the two-month extensions granted for these organizations to operate.

"Therefore, I believe that the executive must consider its next steps, but it is irrevocably exposed, as are the employees of these organizations and those who have contracts with them," he remarked.

Speaker of the House Annita Dimitriou concurred, emphasizing that this situation has not arisen due to any fault of the House of Representatives. She expressed hope that this year would not witness instances where people remain unpaid or semi-state organizations are unable to operate.

"It is indeed unacceptable that we are nearing the end of February and are still waiting for these budgets to be submitted. This is a complete failure and an absolute exposure of the executive authority," she noted.