Former BoC Shareholders Call For Equal Treatment
The association representing former Bank of Cyprus shareholders has formally appealed to the House of Representatives to include them in the 2025 national solidarity fund budget. In a strongly worded letter addressed to both parliament and the Finance Ministry, the group underscored its disappointment at being excluded from the current draft budget, despite their historical grievances dating back to the 2013 banking crisis.
Legislative Scrutiny And Budgetary Framework
As legislators prepare to vote on the proposed legislation authorizing compensation for depositors and bondholders affected by the 2013 crisis, the association argues that over 93,000 ‘bailed-in’ former shareholders deserve equal recognition under the national solidarity fund law. The bill, titled ‘The Budget Law Of The National Solidarity Fund For 2025’, proposes a comprehensive budget of €100,005,010 for the coming year, even as the Finance Ministry projects a significant shortfall, with revenues capped at €50,000,020 sourced entirely from a government grant.
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Compensation Scheme Details And Administrative Measures
The fund, originally established to redress losses incurred during the resolution measures for Laiki Bank and the Bank of Cyprus, is set to enact a tailored compensation scheme for 2025. This new initiative, approved by the Council of Ministers, specifies eligibility criteria, compensation levels, and a clear payment process. Key administrative concerns—including the reactivation of the online application portal for late applicants and precise compensation calculations based on uninsured losses—remain central to ongoing deliberations.
Call For Immediate Legislative Action
In its letter, the association urged lawmakers to either amend the current budget or delay its passage until the Finance Ministry revisits the provision for former BoC shareholders. The group insists that honoring the laws passed by the House is essential, thereby ensuring that all affected parties, including Laiki depositors and bank bondholders, are treated equitably within the national solidarity fund.
