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Government Surplus in Cyprus: April 2025 Analysis

Surplus Insights: January-April 2025

The General Government of Cyprus recorded a fiscal surplus of €646.8 million in the first four months of 2025, equating to 1.8% of GDP. This is a slight decrease compared to the €650.5 million surplus (1.9% of GDP) seen in the same timeframe in 2024, according to preliminary results from the Statistical Service.

Revenue Breakdown

Government revenues grew by €243 million (5.3%), reaching €4.826 billion in comparison to the previous year. Income and wealth tax revenues rose by €89.8 million (8.3%), totaling €1.171 billion. Meanwhile, social contributions increased by €135.7 million (9.4%), totaling €1.573 billion. Interest and dividend collections climbed to €84.7 million, marking an increase of €53.7 million.

Service provisions saw an impressive growth, up by 24.1% to €369.7 million. Conversely, taxes on production and imports decreased slightly by €10.8 million, settling at €1.499 billion, with net VAT revenues falling by €23.6 million.

Expenditure Insights

Expenditures also saw a rise, up €246.6 million (6.3%) to a total of €4.179 billion. Personnel expenses, including social benefits, increased by €72 million (6%) to €1.272 billion. Social benefits expanded by €95.8 million (5.9%).

Capital accounts surged by 30% to €310.7 million. Within this, fixed capital investments grew by 18.7% to €251.7 million. On a lighter note, interest payments fell by €2.8 million, with subsidies also showing a decline.

For additional context on Cyprus’ economic landscape, refer to our coverage on how Cyprus Labor Market Strengthens in Q1 2025.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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