Another scandal in the chain of the DISY government’s scandals
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou
27th May 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The Yiannaki scandal answers in the most eloquent way the question that DISY has posed in the election campaign: Populism or seriousness? We reply seriousness, but it must be accompanied by meritocracy and ethos. These are characteristics that the Anastasiades-DISY government doesn’t have, provoking citizens with its endless audacity to appoint its cronies.
Who is Yiannakis Yiannaki? A leading ruling DISY member, appointed by N.Anastasiades to a high position and the protagonist in an unprecedented scandal involving forgery. There have previously been allegations of irregularity in his appointment to the post of Volunteerism Commissioner by the DISY Government. Yet, the entire Anastasiades/DISY government have been defending him for years to stay in his position earning up to 7,000 euros per month.
At a time when thousands of young people are working hard for their education and studies, but are paid humiliating wages, when workers and small and medium-sized businesses are living with their work and toil, an “excellent of the excellent” – who did not even have formal qualifications, except for the party card of a leading DISY member – enjoyed luxury salaries paid by taxpayer’s money. The fact that DISY fought to keep him in his place, but also to increase his salary, speaks for itself. The fact that AKEL was the only party that in 2018 requested and proposed the holding back of Mr. Yiannakis’ salary from the state budget is also revealing.
The Yiannaki scandal joins the Anastasiades-DISY government’s mountain of scandals. Favoritism, cronyism, arrogance, generous salaries for the close circle of DISY and the President, humiliation of institutions and every notion of ethos. This government is discrediting the country.
Next Sunday, the change that our country and people need so much must begin.
