In today’s episode, a proposal to impose a 5% tax on bank profits, framed by Akel as a measure to aid vulnerable groups, was defeated in parliament on Thursday after a deadlocked vote of 25-25, with four abstentions. The bill, which Akel described as a “solidarity levy,” aimed to raise €100 million over two years to support housing and lending schemes for those impacted by inflation.
Elsewhere, MPs narrowly approved a bill on Thursday to increase the levy on net betting earnings from 3% to 4.5%, with the additional funds directed to football clubs and their academies. The legislation passed with 27 votes in favor and 25 against, sparking criticism over its implications.