Protests held outside parliament over new foreclosure legislation

On Holy Monday, protesters gathered outside the Cypriot House of Representatives to oppose proposed legislation regarding property foreclosures. This session marks the final meeting of the current Parliament before its self-dissolution ahead of the May 24 legislative elections. The agenda includes two government bills and 19 proposals from various MPs and political parties, such as AKEL, EDEK, ELAM, and the Movement of Ecologists, concerning non-performing loans and foreclosures. Demonstrators, including individuals facing eviction, held signs criticizing banks and investment funds, calling for better protections for homeowners. Opposition politicians, including Stavros Papadouris and Stephanos Stephanou, criticized the legislative process and the influence of banking institutions. Aside from foreclosures, the session also addresses laws on property acquisition by foreigners, disability rights, and consumer protection. Protesters expressed fear of becoming homeless or refugees in their own country due to high rents and debt pressure.