Filenews 17 May 2025 - by Vasos Vassiliou
The opening of Makariou Avenue in Nicosia for all vehicles has also opened the bag of Aeolus, with the effects being, for the moment, indeterminate although palpable.
As "F" is informed, the decision of the Nicosia Municipal Council immediately concerned the presidential palace mainly because the project is co-financed, something that threatens to expose Cyprus in the eyes of the EU, which co-financed the project.
In the end, the briefing of the president may prove to be "the lesser evil", since, as "F" is informed, it seems that the EU itself has already been informed through private individuals who had collaborated with EU institutions.
In addition to the fact that Cyprus' credibility will be eroded, it is estimated that there will also be economic consequences, if it is taken into account that in similar cases (involving other countries), the return of the funds allocated by the EU was requested. As "F" is not informed by an authoritative source, in the case of the Municipality of Nicosia, the money allocated by the EU amounts to €21 million. However, this is not the end of the road, since, as we have been told, the arbitrary decision of the Municipal Council will probably lead the EU to characterize the Municipality of Nicosia as an "unreliable partner" for any future funding. This means that the future projects of the Municipality of Nicosia will not be co-financed by the EU, so the sponsorship will come only from the Republic of Cyprus and will be indirectly paid by all Cypriot taxpayers.
As indicated to us by a state source, because the project was co-financed, it cannot be altered or overturned in any way or its use changed, to the point that its philosophy is altered, before five years have passed since the last EU payment/contribution. As "F" is informed, based on the dates of the payments, the five years are considered to be completed after the year 2028.
And of course, if the above is true, the question is where the Municipality will find the money to return it to the EU and with what money it will be able to operate or execute infrastructure projects.
State officials believe that individual interests are being served behind this decision (as it was finally formed).
They estimate that with the opening of Makariou, the number of vehicles will skyrocket and Makariou will return to pre-execution data.
However, Makariou Avenue seems to be becoming friendly to cars rather than pedestrians again and there are quite a few who believe that the negatives that will arise will prove to be more than the positives.
The total overthrow of Makariou's work came with a majority decision of the Municipal Council, which adopted a proposal submitted by DISY. In addition to DISY, the municipal groups of DIKO, EDEK and ELAM were in favour of the decision, while the groups of AKEL and the Ecologists were against it.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, also spoke out against the access to Makariou Street for all vehicles, who essentially differentiates in terms of the use of the road on weekends, favoring the use of the avenue as a pedestrian street, with the only beneficiary drivers being the residents. Mr. Prountzos had submitted a relevant proposal, which, however, did not pass. Regarding the hours of use of the avenue by all vehicles, the Mayor had proposed that the road (for everyone) be opened on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Based on the decision of the Nicosia Municipal Council, on weekdays, the passage of all vehicles is allowed between the hours of 7am-9pm. From 9pm to 7 am, the avenue will be used only by authorized vehicles whose number, in any case, is limited.
Given the limited traffic in the evenings, essentially what is true is that the road will be open 24 hours a day. Even if one considers that one is left "free" at night, the fact that there are no recording cameras as to who enters and who goes out on the street, one does not expect that traffic wardens will be checked to report those who violate the law.
For the weekends, the Municipal Council decided to continue the use of the avenue by buses, taxis, catering vehicles, by residents and shopkeepers. It is noted that in this case, too, due to the absence of policing, what has been in force for some time will continue to apply, i.e. the use of the road by almost all vehicles 24 hours a day.
The above regulations apply from the Lycabettus Police Station (Makariou with Spyrou Kyprianou) to Solomos Square.
At the same time, the Municipal Council decided that the left-hand movement of vehicles is allowed on Mnasiadou and Bouboulinas streets on the grounds that large parking spaces will be operated in them that will serve the public.
In order for the decision of the Municipal Council to be implemented, the approval of the Chief of Police is required. When we contacted the Police Headquarters asking for information on the intention of the Chief of Police, we were told that at the moment there is nothing to be announced.
The Municipality is also expected to appeal to the EU, which co-financed the project for environmental and other related reasons, in order to secure its consent. As is well known, some had warned that any variation of the regime would lead to the recovery of money that had been approved by the EU. However, municipal authorities downplayed this aspect, believing that at most a limited fine should be imposed.
It is recalled that the Municipality of Nicosia, by promoting the redevelopment project of the Makarios – Stasikratous – Evagoros Commercial Triangle (in progress), sought, as it had announced, "to make the urban shopping center of the capital competitive, attractive and friendly to people and the environment".
It is also noted that in an article dated 17.11.2023, the Minister of Transport indicated that "north Makariou, after the proper intervention of the Nicosia Municipality, prioritizes people, walking and the needs of pedestrians, social life instead of cars".
"Calm and relaxed pedestrian movement is now promoted here, the creation of more attractive spaces, both for commercial use and for catering and the placement of table seats, as well as for the holding of social events," added Mr. Vafeadis.
And of course, all of this is simply no longer the case.
