With predictions by economic analysts that the harsh terms of Cyprus’ 10 billion euros ($13 billion) bailout from international lenders will plunge the country into a long recession, Archbishop Chrysostomos said he sees difficult times for Cypriots.
He characterized what happened, including the government’s confiscation of bank deposits above 100,000 euros that he said will cost the church 100 million euros ($130 million) as similar to the difficulties faced by the Turkish invasion of 1974.
“Of course back then the people, despite the fact that 180,000 refugees fled almost naked, hadn’t brought with them neither their clothes nor their shoes. And those ones who had put some money aside, hid it somewhere in their houses and left with no money at all,” he told state-run TV.
He added, “And within 10 years, they stopped living in tents, they all got their own decent homes, and soon the whole population got in. There was unity, mutual help. We helped all refugees and they came out of their misery. Of course back then, there was a 50% cut-off in all wages. Now, they don’t agree with that, but I think if we get to that point where everything will be that negative, we will end up with half a salary, whether we like it or not. “
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