Andreas Mavroyiannis responds to our society’s aspirations – Article by Haris Karamanos, AKEL Political Bureau member and Central Organisational Secretary of AKEL

 

 

Sunday 13 November 2022, “Haravgi” newspaper

Three months before the elections and the question citizens have to answer is one: a third term of the ruling DISY party or a change in governance and a progressive course for the country?

The answer is simple. We are supporting and promoting a truly popular candidacy, one that expresses every citizen who wants to see his or her country free and reunited and our people taking the path of progress and prosperity. The only candidature that can put these aspirations into practice and realise them is undoubtedly the candidacy of Andreas Mavroyiannis.

This is what the following two key factors demonstrate.

The first is his pro-social content of his programme. It is a democratic, modern programme characterised primarily by its social sensitivity. It is a programme that is imbued with concern for the ordinary person, for those who genuinely need the care of the State. Education, health, culture, culture, sport, social welfare, labour relations, the environment, the fight against corruption, the struggle against poverty, the rule of law and human rights must be among the top priorities and daily concerns of a modern State. For Andreas Mavroyiannis, the philosophy of handing out benefits as charity is alien to him. The neo-liberal concept that attaches sole importance to economic indicators and does not see the human being behind numbers is also alien to Andreas Mavroyiannis. His Governance Programme is above all about respect for people and their needs.

The second factor is the way in which this candidacy is embraced by the broader sections of society. It is supported by personalities of recognised standing in our country’s political, social, economic and cultural life. He has the support of the people of toil and labour, working people, self-employed people and farmers, scientists and professionals, intellectuals and cultural figures, as well as people from the business world. The candidacy of A.Mavroyiannis builds bridges of unity above all for the good of Cyprus. His candidacy inspires the hope of the liberation and reunification of Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be the true masters of the land that gave birth to them. There is every confidence that this candidacy can open up paths of mutual understanding with our Turkish Cypriots compatriots, which is essential if the Cyprus problem is to be resolved.

The messages sent out by Mavroyiannis’ candidacy are warmly embraced by people. He has all the capabilities and preconditions to win the presidential elections. This is the message being conveyed by his daily contact with the people where our fellow citizens live, work and spend their leisure time.

Let us all continue and intensify our efforts. To save Cyprus, the present and future generations. For as Abraham Lincoln said: ‘A vote is mightier than a bullet. With a bullet you can kill your enemy. With a vote you can kill the future of your children.”