Cyprus's Assembly has agreed on the 2024 budgets for its main security and civil defence groups. This important financial plan comes as people worry more about natural disasters. It also happens during big changes in these organizations. All parties in the assembly agreed. They have given a lot of money to the Police, the Security Forces Command, and the Civil Defence Organization. This shows that national safety is a top priority.
Recent floods and an earthquake showed that disaster response needs improvement. This was important when discussing the Civil Defence budget. Legislators said the organization has too many jobs for its staff. It can house 200,000 people. However, it does not have enough workers. An independent MP said the Civil Defence needs real support, not just words. This means investing in better warning systems, stronger buildings, and more staff. This will help with climate-related problems.
The police budget is over 8.4 billion TL. It was also approved without any votes against it. However, some MPs talked about problems within the police force. They said working conditions need to be better. More police officers are needed. Also, the police must be free to do their jobs without political influence. Therefore, this agreement is a sign that modernization is needed.
The Security Forces Command will receive 9 billion TL. This budget also includes a plan to fix a long-standing problem. Civilian workers hired after 2011 are owed severance pay. The Finance Minister said the government will pay these claims. This will avoid more court cases. He said the Security Forces Command is very important to the country. They must help this group that protects the nation. This will help improve morale.
These budget decisions have many effects. Civil defence must now improve its disaster plans quickly. The police must use the money to make real changes. Fixing the severance pay issue is a big step for the Security Forces Command. These votes show that security is very important for the country. This sets a financial plan for the next year.