Disy MP tables proposal to ditch green restrictions for state vehicles, then withdraws it (Update)

Seemingly out of the blue, ruling Disy MP Giorgos Georgiou has submitted a proposal that removes engine capacity and CO2 emission restrictions governing the acquisition of vehicles for state officials.

Several hours later, according to a Disy spokesman on social media, Georgiou withdrew the proposal.

The proposal sought to do away with restrictions placed in 2014 in a bid to save public money and protect the environment.

At the time, parliament passed a law prohibiting the acquisition of vehicles that exceeded 2000 cubic centimetres and 145gr of CO2 per kilometre for certain officials, and 2000 cubic metres and 165gr of CO2 per kilometre for others.

The law exempts the president and vehicles destined for use by services like the police, fire service, and so on.

In the report accompanying the proposal, Georgiou had said the amendment was “deemed necessary since the current legislation did not serve the initial purpose of the restrictions, which were to save public money and protect the environment.”

Georgiou said current engine technology made it possible for larger engines to emit less CO2 from engines of a lower capacity.

The proposal came at a time when the government had not raised the matter and it was not clear why Disy decided to do so.

Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides said the proposal was unacceptable.

In a Twitter message, Michaelides said engine capacity directly affected the cost for taxpayers and usually the CO2 emissions.

“CO2 emissions directly affect the environment. Abolishing the two limits (engine capacity and emissions) is unacceptable. Consequently, we fully disagree with the law proposal.”

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