Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on the government members who are providers of “golden” passport services
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13th December 2020, Nicosia
Once again, a serious issue of moral and political order has arisen for the government after the publication of the list of providers of “golden” passports in the newspaper “Haravgi”. As the newspaper revealed, former and current members of the Anastasiades-DISY government are included in this list.
The provision of services to mediate for the issuance of “golden” passports is of course not illegal. However, it does represent a serious conflict of interest and an institutional misuse, when members of the government, who are providers of “golden” passport services, take decisions that affect them and – obviously – serve their interests. If this happened in a benign country where the government respects the rule of law, apologies would be issued, responsibilities would be taken on and there would be resignations.
In Cyprus, however, the Anastasiades-DISY government, both the President and the ruling DISY party consider this normal and not at all reprehensible. In fact, President Anastasiades attributes what is attributed to him on the issue, to low blows. This is indicative of the attitude and ethos with which the government ruling forces governs in power.
This situation explains why Cyprus has been falling in the table of international indicators on interwoven interests and corruption since 2013. The problem starts from the very top….
