Closing speech by Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of the Central Committee of AKEL, at the Extraordinary AKEL Pancyprian Conference on the Presidential Elections

 

5 June 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Comrades,

Over the past few months, through an exemplary inter-party procedure where democratic dialogue dominated, we discussed a lot.

We discussed and reflected a lot, because we understood that we didn’t have any right to take hasty and thoughtless decisions.

From today, however, the discussion is over and the time for action begins.

From today, committed to our goal of bringing progressive change, we rally around the independent candidacy of Andreas Mavroyiannis!

Our decision signals our Party’s will to promote the good of the country beyond ideological and petty-party lines.

Cyprus has no need for petty-party isolationisms.

Cyprus needs policies that go above and beyond.

Because the young generation – the one to which we are primarily accountable to – can no longer withstand supposedly “excellent of the excellent” government appointees and endure the corruption, entanglement/interwoven interests and system of cronyism and clientelism.

The young generation can no longer stand authoritarianism and the imposition of dictates.

It cannot stand the economic deadlocks, the unbearable price increases and shattered dreams.

Our young people deserve a better country.

Our young people demand a more just homeland.

AKEL has taken on the messages of our times and listened to the anxieties expressed by society in general.

Society demands untarnished figures and very clear policies.

Society is asking us to step out of our comfort zone and seek cooperation with those who share the same anxieties as us.

Dear friends,

As AKEL, we believe that Andreas Mavroyiannis has the qualities to express the demands and expectations of this new era.

Because he is honest, without the slightest doubt of entanglement.

Because he is experienced, with a long record of service in public life.

Because he is determined to take Cyprus forward.

As AKEL, we feel that the decision to support his candidacy is an act of political responsibility.

After ten years of the Anastasiades-Democratic Rally government, there is no more room for tolerance.

The state has been turned into a party mechanism.

Corruption has reached the highest echelons of power.

Our country’s international credibility has been destroyed.

The Cyprus problem is in a prolonged stalemate.

Andreas Mavroyiannis, deeply knowledgeable about the Cyprus problem and faithful to the model of Bi-zonal, Bicommunal Federation, is the most suitable person to attempt the resumption of the talks from the point where they had remained with the aim of finding a viable and just solution. His commitment to the solution of the Cyprus problem renders him credible to lead a united Cyprus, a common homeland of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

Andreas Mavroyiannis, a person of renowned prestige, can express all these people who are by nature opposed to the government’s policies. A man with social sensitivities and a vision that springs from the people, to embrace the people.

We face two options leading up to the 2023 Presidential Elections:

On the one hand, it is the path suggested by the two government candidates (Note: Averof Neofytou and Nikos Christodoulides) and thus the implementation of the same policy. It is the path of the continuators of the Anastasiades government with all that this implies: institutional corruption, entanglement/interwoven interests and a multispeed society.

On the other hand, is the path that leads to another philosophy in the administration of the country. It is the path of a just state with a social approach, that will have ordinary citizens at the centre of its policies.

This is the path of Andreas Mavroyiannis and this is where we as AKEL meet him.

Supporting the National Health Scheme, not in words but in practice.

Supporting public education, without social exclusions.

Expanding and strengthening the welfare state.

Supporting a sustainable economic model, which does not abolish the working people’s gains and which serves green growth.

Protecting the environment and our country’s natural resources.

I call on all of you to wage this struggle: United, to struggle for change!

Dear friends,

There are eight months to go until the presidential elections.

Eight crucial months lie ahead for Cyprus and our people.

Our goal is to convey the message of progressive change to every neighbourhood, every home and every citizen.

We address society regardless of anyone’s ideological beliefs and party affiliations.

Moreover, it is our conviction that no one should be left out in this effort.

We are united by our love for our country.

We are inspired by the better tomorrow that we owe to our children.

Comrades,

AKEL looks only ahead.

We will wage this battle united and with enthusiasm and we shall win it!

For our Cyprus!

For our people!

Together for change!