AKEL's PROPOSAL FOR THE 'GOLDEN VISA' PROGRAMME IN THE PLENARY SESSION - WHAT DOES IT PROVIDE? - Filenews 15/4
AKEL's proposal for a law on the regulation of the "golden visa" program is headed to the last Plenary Session of the Parliament, after the completion of its discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Interior.
The rapporteurs of the proposal call for the institutionalization of a stricter framework for the operation of the program, through regulations that will be approved by the Parliament, strengthening parliamentary control and transparency.
The proposal, submitted by MPs Giorgos Loukaidis, Aristos Damianou, Marina Nikolaou and Valentinos Fakontis on behalf of the AKEL parliamentary group, seeks to amend the legislation so that the continuation of the program depends on the issuance of relevant regulations.
As Mr. Loukaidis stated after the session, the proposal provides that in order for the golden visa program to continue, the government must come to Parliament within a set deadline with relevant regulations.
The goal, as he said, is through them to tighten the process of granting the golden visa, adding that the proposal attempts to respond to the intense European criticism, "which goes as far as the demand for the complete abolition of the golden visa program".
Mr. Loukaidis noted that the regulation is in line with the requirements of the European Union, stating that the tightening of the criteria is part of the pressure exerted on the member states.
At the same time, he linked the proposal to the housing crisis, stating that increased demand is one of the main causes that has led to a significant increase in real estate prices and rents", which, as he said, are too high for the average citizen.
Mr. Loukaidis also criticized the current practice, noting that the executive wants to maintain full control over the determination of the criteria for granting the golden visa, which currently concern the absolute discretion of the respective Minister of the Interior, adding that this must end.
He also reminded that a similar regulation had been adopted in the past for the naturalization program, stating that the Parliament had approved a corresponding law proposal for the government to bring regulations, which, as he said, ultimately led to the establishment of a clearer framework.
The bill is expected to be taken to the Plenary Session of the Parliament for a vote in the last Plenary Session on April 23.
