The "Alliance for Limassol" platform has announced a protest against the Council of Ministers' decision to grant a planning exemption for a major commercial development in the Agios Athanasios area, calling on residents to send a strong message to the government and relevant authorities.
The demonstration will take place on Friday, 24 July, at 18:00 on Agios Athanasios Avenue, outside the parking area of the Jumbo store.
Traffic concerns at the centre of opposition
The protest is focused on the government's approval of a large mall-type commercial development, which organisers argue could further aggravate Limassol's already severe traffic congestion and negatively affect residents' quality of life.
The Alliance for Limassol is calling for an immediate institutional and legal response to the decision, maintaining that major developments should not proceed without comprehensive urban planning, adequate traffic studies and meaningful consultation with local communities.
Calls for sustainable development
Among the initiative's stated objectives are:
- Promoting a rational model of sustainable development.
- Creating alternative green infrastructure.
- Implementing immediate measures to tackle traffic congestion in the city.
Organisers say there is a need to prevent unilateral decisions that could intensify problems already facing Limassol rather than improve everyday life for residents.
Concerns for small businesses
The platform also expressed concern about the potential impact on small and medium-sized businesses operating in Limassol's city centre and neighbourhoods.
It argues that local professionals and entrepreneurs deserve greater support and consideration, warning that a new large-scale retail development could affect existing businesses.
New civic initiative
According to the Alliance for Limassol, the initiative emerged following calls from both public figures and ordinary citizens for the creation of an organised advocacy body focused on key issues affecting the city and district.
The platform has extended an open invitation to political parties, municipal groups, trade unions, environmental organisations, professional associations, SME representatives, organised residents' groups and the wider public to participate in the mobilisation.
"Together we can build a strong voice and demand what should be self-evident for our city," the platform said, adding that residents are seeking immediate solutions rather than new promises.
