PARTIES reacted angrily to the Eurogroup decision, with communist AKEL saying it was contemplating proposing Cyprus’ exit from the common currency, the euro.
However, Communications Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos warned that the alternative was the collapse of the banking sector and bankruptcy.
AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou described Cyprus’ treatment by the troika as “vindictive and neo-colonial,” adding that his party would discuss proposing the island’s exit from the eurozone.
“They are attempting to impose their political options on Cyprus, leading out country and people to conditions that are similar to those in other countries of the European south,” Kyprianou said.
Kyprianou held President Nicos Anastasiades responsible for the developments, saying that his party’s secretariat will recommend rejection of the measures.
Ruling DISY said it was a harsh decision that followed the wrong decision to write-down Greek debt in 2011, which led to huge losses for the island’s banks.
DISY deputy chairman Averof Neophytou said the alternative would be to pay the cost of a disorderly bankruptcy.
“The decision was painful but without the agreement, the situation would probably be tragic,” Neophytou said.
He said he fully understood the people’s concerns, but things had been allowed to get so bad that the options were limited.
“We will weigh the consequences of implementing the proposal and those of rejecting it and make our decisions, having in mind the least painful effects,” he added.
Socialists EDEK slammed the EU for “burying the principle of community solidarity” and the government for its “unconditional surrender” to the absurd and outrageous demands.
“Neither the unprecedented and catastrophic measures would be tolerated nor the humiliation of the Republic of Cyprus and its people,” EDEK said.
Government partners DIKO were cautious in their approach, saying they needed to be briefed on the decision before taking a stance.
The party nevertheless censured the “unacceptable blackmail” that certain EU circles used to force Cyprus to agree.
Demetris Syllouris, the chairman of EVROKO, said the government would not have his support on the matter.
“If they have killed us once it does not matter if they kill us a second time. This is my reaction,” he said.
The Green party suggested that the measures included in the decision did not ensure the salvation of the economy.
“On the contrary, the consequences on common people and workers are expected to be tough, adding to the trials this people is already going through,” the Greens said.
President Anastasiades will be briefing party leaders at 8.30 this evening, ahead of a cabinet meeting.
“As soon as he returns to Cyprus he will convene a meeting of political leaders to put before them the facts and alternative scenarios,” Communications Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos said. Asked about the alternative scenario, Mitsopoulos was blunt: “It is the closure of our banks on Tuesday and bankruptcy.”