Nicosia mayor faces calls to resign amid Makarios Avenue redevelopment dispute
A committee representing shopkeepers and residents in old Nicosia has demanded the immediate resignation of Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos. The call came after the mayor presented proposals to revitalize Makarios Avenue, a project that has generated significant controversy. The redevelopment plan, largely funded by nearly €21 million in EU cohesion money, aims to restrict private traffic and promote sustainable transport, but local business owners describe the avenue as a "dead zone" and oppose the changes.
The committee accused Prountzos of mishandling public consultations and criticized a contract with consultancy firm PWC, suggesting it was used to influence outcomes against small businesses and residents. Meanwhile, the mayor defended the project, citing high occupancy rates in the area and emphasizing the need to comply with EU funding conditions to avoid repayment. The European Commission stated that any major changes to the project’s objectives in the five years following funding could trigger repayment but did not outright ban reopening the avenue to general traffic.
In addition to the dispute over Makarios Avenue, ongoing roadworks in the old town continue to disrupt local traffic. The House transport committee is set to resume discussions on the Makarios traffic arrangements, as tensions remain high between municipal authorities and local stakeholders.
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