DECLARATION FOR THE “SOCIAL ALLIANCE”

 

20 March 2024

In recent years, as citizens of Cyprus, we have been living through a wretched reality that is an obstacle to Cyprus’ substantial progress. The prospect of a solution of the Cyprus problem and reunification is becoming more and more distant, with the Cyprus problem in a deadlock for more than six years. Economic inequalities are growing daily, with labour rights shrinking and the middle strata driven into continued decline. Good governance and the rule of law have been dealt powerful blows, and as a result independent indicators record Cyprus performance on the tables regarding corruption and entanglement/interwoven interests as abysmal. The rise of the extreme right, racism and xenophobia now create an existential threat to our democracy itself.

The recent change in the country’s governance has anything but vindicated society’s expectations for real change. Unfortunately, the big picture of the new government is characterized by systematic indecisiveness, on the verge of non-governability, and by the adoption of practices that are anything but new and innovative and which deepen even more the crisis of principles and values in our country.

In the face of this depressing situation, people from different backgrounds and experiences, coming from the whole spectrum of society, who in the recent past have found ourselves on the same side, seeking progressive change and united by a genuine concern for our country and future generations, we have proceeded to form a broad and open Social Alliance with a progressive content. A Social Alliance that aspires to compose and build relationships of cooperation with those sharing our vision to lead our country and people forward.

Our effort is based on the following fundamental principles:

1. The solution of the Cyprus problem based on Bi-communal, Bizonal Federation with political equality, as outlined by the relevant UN resolutions, as the only way to reunify our homeland.
2. A strong economy, green, innovative, with sustainable growth that shields the country and at the same time supports and promotes dignified work, regulated labour relations and the respect for labour rights, which generates prosperity for all, adequately supports vulnerable social groups and contributes to reducing social inequalities.
3. The implementation of a multidimensional foreign policy based on principles, with Cyprus as an active member of the international community and the European Union.
4. Rule of law, accountability, good administration, transparency and meritocracy. With equal opportunities and rights for all, without discriminations and with non-negotiable respect for every citizen’s human rights.
5. A modern State:

• With democratic, human-centered and inclusive education.
• With equal access to health services for all.
• With an honest, welfare state that meets the modern needs of all citizens for dignified housing and access to adequate and quality care and welfare services.
• With technology, research and innovation being the driving force of further growth and the foundation of sustainable development.

Our own effort for all of the above is just beginning. We invite every fellow citizen who shares the above vision and principles, who wants to give once again hope and a perspective to Cyprus and our people through the formulation of a progressive alternative proposal and who believes that the future of Cyprus can must should be better, to join forces with all of us, to create together, in an equal and democratic manner, the broad Social Alliance.

A Social Alliance, with an eye on the future, will have a leading role in the effort to develop a better Cyprus.