Today in Cyprus, as yesterday too, we do not have a state governed by the rule of law

Statement by AKEL MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Internal Affairs Committee at a Journalist’s Union conference on the topic “Rule of Law and the Young Generation”

20 Dec. 2022. Journalist’s House, Nicosia

There is perhaps no other concept that encapsulates so many important functions in a state respecting its citizens other than the concept of the rule of law.

The rule of law means that those in power should respect the laws in place. It means that the law is impersonal and citizens are treated fairly by institutions. It means that regardless of the fact that someone is in a position of power, he or she cannot receive any preferential treatment. It means that the judge should decide impartially and with respect for precedent, which creates conditions of equal treatment. It presupposes that the executive power does not seek to put the judiciary or independent institutions under its control. The rule of law means that laws are not changed to suit considerations/expediencies, to deal with or regulate transient phenomena, sometimes to serve petty interests. In our constitutional order, the rule of law means the almost absolute separation of powers.

Over the centuries the concept of the rule of law has thus been codified in many ways. In our conception it is condensed into ensuring the equality of citizens and preventing any arbitrary state action.

And to move from the abstract to the concrete, as an MP, a lawyer and an active citizen, I must state the obvious. What every thinking citizen must establish and criticise: that in Cyprus today, as in the past too, we do not have the rule of law.

That human and civil rights are not always respected and that they are sometimes downgraded from being a pillar of a progressive modern society to, unfortunately, a mere slogan of opportunity.

That special groups are discriminated against, such as, for example, people with disabilities, LGBTI people, people with a migrant background and women.

That those in power act with self-interest.

That we do not have meritocracy, but instead a system based on cronyism and clientelism.

That there is no unfettered access to justice.

That independent institutions are being subordinated and instrumentalised by the executive power.

That young people do not grow up and act in a state that creates the preconditions and prospects for equal treatment on the basis of merit, not based on their class/social background or any family connections to the establishment.

In short, we need to be self-critical of the state, the political system and institutions and demand more rule of law. We need to demand a Cyprus that creates opportunities for everyone. A Cyprus that is a model of respect for rights and freedoms. A state free of corruption and institutional entanglement/interwoven interests. And – of course – all this within the framework of a free homeland that creates conditions of prosperity, peace and security for all.