Akel Party Unveils Bill To Shield Arable Land From Solar Park Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 14, 2025

The Akel Party has introduced a legislative bill aimed at restricting the issuance of permits for commercial solar parks. The initiative is designed to preserve Cyprus’s valuable arable land and conservation areas from the rapid proliferation of these renewable energy facilities.

Defined Restrictions On Permit Issuance

The proposed legislation outlines five specific scenarios in which permits for commercial solar parks would be barred. These include land of high natural value, arable or permanently irrigated land, territories under government-supported irrigation projects, zones designated for environmental protection, and areas falling under Natura 2000 designations.

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Balancing Renewable Energy With Agricultural Interests

Notably, the bill exempts farmers from these restrictions when installing photovoltaic systems for their own use, a provision that recognizes the importance of agriculture alongside renewable energy expansion. This nuanced approach aims to balance energy innovation with the safeguarding of traditional farming practices.

Industry Impact And Parliamentary Debate

Mainstream debate in parliament has been ongoing for years, spurred by concerns from agricultural sectors in the Famagusta and Paphos districts. Local farmers have repeatedly highlighted that the unchecked growth of solar parks has eroded agricultural operations and diminished available pasture lands, raising alarms about broader community development ramifications.

Statistical Evidence And Future Implications

In his address, Akel MP Yiannakis Gavriel cited critical figures to amplify the urgency of the issue. He noted that solar parks already generating a cumulative 58 megawatts (MW) operate in the Famagusta region, with permits for an additional 408MW having been approved. Gavriel warned that, given the approximately 900MW of installed renewable energy capacity across Cyprus, the full implementation of these projects could have dire consequences for agriculture and local communities alike.

Looking Ahead

As the bill moves forward, authorities are faced with roughly 100 pending applications for commercial solar parks. The outcome of this legislative effort will likely set a precedent for how Cyprus balances the twin imperatives of renewable energy growth and the preservation of its agricultural heritage.

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Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 24, 2025

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

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Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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