Corruption and interwoven interests are combated through concrete decisions and not apathy and ‘Pontius Pilate’ tactics
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17 January 2019, Nicosia
Society astonished is following what is being denounced and revealed about the relations between the judiciary, law firms and banks. What is being said and denounced highlights the problem of corruption and interwoven interests that exists in our country, a fact which in any case is also noted and included in the relevant international indicators which record that throughout the term of the Anastasiades-DISY administration the state of affairs has deteriorated.
Corruption and interwoven interests are combated by promoting concrete decisions and actions, not by apathy and ‘Pontius Pilate’ tactic which the Anastasiades-DISY government is demonstrating as regards the accusations that have been made, even by the Attorney General himself, that is to say the Government’s Legal Advisor.
This stand taken by the government and ruling forces inevitably and justifiably raises questions. Why is the government hesitating to intervene as regards this unacceptable state of affairs? Why does it hesitate to discuss even ways and decisions that could lead to the problems of interwoven interests and corruption being addressed? These questions are quite warranted, given that the government’s policies are enhancing the arbitrariness of the banks, as well as of other vested interests of the established order.
The judiciary is indeed independent and the principle of the separation of powers must certainly be protected. This is recognized by all. Independence, however, does not mean that the judiciary shouldn’t also be subject to control. Control mechanisms need to be set up, both within and outside the judicial system. Control is imperative in a democracy based on the rule of law. No one is beyond, over and above control.
The role of the big law firms must also be restricted and be monitored. For example, certain law firms can’t be the legal advisers for semi-governmental organizations for entire decades. AKEL has time after time denounced this fact, repeatedly calling on the government to take steps in order to put an end to this negative phenomenon which leads to the development of relations based on interwoven interests. Unfortunately, the government has chosen silence, tolerance and the perpetuation of this state of affairs on this issue too.
Today, besides the conclusions all citizens draw or confirm from the accusations made, concrete actions are demanded. The government must take the lead. Parliament of course also has a role to play, taking on its responsibilities. Will the government at some point assume its own responsibilities? If not, citizens will be left with findings and the established order will continue unhindered to undermine even elementary principles of the rule of law and transparency.
