AKEL Warns of Land Purchases by Israelis in Cyprus

The General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, expressed concerns about the increasing sale of real estate to citizens of third countries, with particular reference to citizens of Israel, during the party's 24th Congress.

Mr. Stefanou noted that there are massive acquisitions of economic units and large tracts of land, and there is information about a targeted policy of expansion towards Cyprus. He stressed that AKEL views the issue as a matter of national interest and security, calling on the government to protect national sovereignty.

He accused the government of exacerbating the problem with policies such as golden visas, while other European countries are taking control measures. He also expressed concern about the creation of closed communities and ghettoization.

On social media, pro-Palestinian and pro-Iranian accounts express concerns about the increasing presence of Israelis in Cyprus. Turkish media also report concerns about a possible "Zionist expansion" on the island.

Israeli media have referred to Cyprus as "the second Israel" in earlier publications.

AKEL states that it has taken initiatives for legislative regulations regarding the issue.