Amid intense disagreement within DISY, members of the Parliamentary Finance Committee have proceeded with the release of 397 new positions in the public and broader public sectors.
This includes 298 positions for initial appointment in the public sector and 99 positions for first-time appointments in the broader public sector (85 positions in the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and 14 in the Local Authorities).
All parties, except DISY, supported the creation of these positions.
DISY MP Harris Georgiades mentioned that approximately 700 to 800 employees are leaving or retiring from the public and broader public sectors.
He added that in 2023, the government is moving forward with filling 2400 positions.
He also stated that for the positions expected to open next year, the total number of public sector employees is smaller than the peak in 2012.
Specifically, Mr. Georgiades stated that the number of public sector employees was 52,267 in 2012 and is now 49,295, which is approximately three thousand fewer than in 2012.
He also emphasized that the number of positions released so far exceeds the number in 2012. Responding to criticisms, George Panteli, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, referred to a study conducted by the Ministry of Finance to rationalize the state payroll, covering 30% of state budget expenditures and representing 12% of GDP.
