AKEL on the 91st anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of Cyprus CPC – AKEL
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 15th August 2017, Nicosia
August 15th is the anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of Cyprus (CPC), of which AKEL is the successor. 91 years ago, on the 19th August 1926, so as not to attract the attention of the English colonialists, no fewer than twenty pioneering Communists, held the Founding Congress of the Communist Party of Cyprus in a small home in Limassol.
The messages and visions of the October Revolution in Russia, whose 100th anniversary we are celebrating this year, also reached Cyprus, resulting in the creation and functioning of communist cells from the early 1920’s. These cells constituted the mould, which the founders of the CPC turned into the foundations of a path of struggle spanning over 9 decades. Thus the foundations were laid for the people themselves to come to the forefront of social and political history.
In extremely difficult conditions, the first Cypriot communists developed heir activity as a beacon in the darkness of ignorance, prejudice and conservatism. In these 91 years of life of struggle, the CPC-AKEL gave concrete expression to the visions and aspirations of the first communists. The struggles and sacrifices of the party of the Cypriot working class left their indelible mark on every political, social and labour gain in our country. This path was marked by persecutions, repressions and even political assassinations. The Party has found itself twice in illegality, while it has been a target of local and foreign interests.
Despite all the difficulties and obstacles, AKEL, the successor to the CPC, has been a leading force in our people’s struggles and has evolved into a mass, assertive and responsible communist party. A Party whose great contribution to Cyprus, our workers and people is universally recognized. For decades, AKEL has established itself as a big, serious national political and social force that plays a leading role in shaping the future of our country and working people’s perspectives.
On the occasion of today’s anniversary, AKEL pays tribute to the thousands of people’s fighters who, with their sacrifices, struggles and the blood they have shed, created better living conditions for the common people and built the great movement of AKEL and the People’s Movement of the Left.
Finally, we express our gratitude to the Cypriot people for the practical support, love and trust that it has given to our Party. The people are the lifeblood of AKEL and AKEL is there to serve it. We renew our pledge to continue the struggle for the reunification of our homeland, for social justice and prosperity.
