Public Sector Employment In Cyprus Sees Moderate Growth Amid Structural Reshuffle

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Employment figures for Cyprus’ broad public sector reached 77,314 in the second quarter of 2025, according to new data released by the Statistical Service (Cystat). The comprehensive update highlights significant trends across government branches and publicly owned enterprises.

Steady Growth In Government Roles

Within the aggregate public sector, 72,275 individuals were employed by general government, and an additional 5,039 worked for publicly owned enterprises and companies. A closer look at the general government segment reveals separations of 55,208 in central government, 11,185 in non-profit organizations, and 5,882 in local authorities. Compared to the same quarter in 2024, there was an overall increase of 1,600 jobs, marking a 2.1% growth in public sector employment.

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Structural Reallocation And Local Authority Expansion

The central government added 969 positions—a 1.5% rise—while local authorities experienced a substantial surge with an increase of 1,295 jobs or 28.2%. This shift is closely linked to administrative changes following the establishment of district local government organizations (DLGOs) on July 1, 2024, which have assumed responsibilities for water and sewerage boards. Conversely, publicly owned enterprises and companies recorded a decline of 664 positions, reflecting an 11.6% reduction within that sector.

Sequential Quarterly Adjustments

When viewed quarterly, total employment in the broad public sector rose by 280 jobs (0.4% growth) from the first quarter of 2025. Specifically, local authorities continued their upward trajectory with a 5.4% increase (301 jobs), and publicly owned enterprises saw a modest gain of 77 positions (1.6%). In contrast, the central government experienced a slight contraction with a decline of 98 positions (0.1%).

These data points suggest that while the overall public sector is on a growth path, strategic reallocations—particularly the rise in local authority employment and restructuring of publicly owned enterprises—are reshaping the employment landscape in Cyprus.

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Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 29, 2026

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

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Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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