Expediencies in the government’s handling of the second phase
Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL A. Kyprianou on the government’s handling of the pandemic
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 9th January 2021, Nicosia
The situation with regards the tackling of the pandemic is very bad because incompetence was shown in confronting it, something that had not occurred during the first phase, as far as the public health system is concerned.
It is obvious that expediencies were being served in the handling of the second phase, at least from what is evident from statements being made by members of the scientific team (advising the government). It is also a fact that there was absolutely no consultation at all with various professional groups to help them address various problems.
Let me give one example. In the space of 40 days, the government measures that were decided changed six to seven times. No small and medium size businessman could plan the operation of his/her business. You realize that in addition to the deterioration of the public health system, the situation in the economy has also deteriorated. At the point we have reached, it is obvious that measures are demanded, strict measures. Unfortunately, however, the Government has once again proceeded unilaterally and once again did not consult those who it should have consulted.
We conclude that from the very first moment numerous problems had been provoked. For example, the government ruling forces decided and announced on Friday that strict measures will be applied from Sunday. How much time was given to companies to prepare themselves and their employees as well who will need to go to work? Or to give the possibility those who will be working from home to properly prepare to begin working from home? We have also heard the fierce reaction of the Cyprus Bar Association, which says that the courts will remain open, but law firms have to close. How can the justice system operate with such hasty decisions?
We call on the Government, even belatedly, to address these problems carefully, which are provoking huge problems not only in the field of public health, but also in the economy.
Of course, having had discussions with scientists, we have formed the view that these measures are not insufficient to confront the pandemic the point we have arrived. Vaccinations need to be promoted at a much faster rate. At an all-European level, strong criticism of the EU leadership and the EU Health Commissioner is being exerted for the long delay being observed in purchasing and promoting vaccines in numerous countries. Furthermore, the fact that there is a lack of transparency on the argument that contracts signed with companies are confidential. These things shouldn’t be allowed by a Union that has as its motto the need for full transparency on all matters.
We are proceeding very slowly in Cyprus. By the end of the week we had vaccinated less than 0.5% of our population, while neighboring Israel has progressed and vaccinated more than 12% of its population. Many contradictions are being recorded. The President of the Republic says he is searching for sources to buy vaccines, more specifically from Israel. The Minister of Health says in his press conference that we are not allowed to procure vaccines by any procedure other than the procedure established by the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen said something similar. We therefore wonder – who is right? And what should guide the actions of the Government – the EU’s procedures or public health? AKEL says its public health and people’s lives should guide our actions. We will support the President of the Republic if he tries to secure the vaccine from any other sources.
As AKEL are waiting to see the government’s support measures for working people and SME’s. We want to see what measures will be taken on rents, foreclosures and evictions. The pandemic has been going on for a year now. Too many small and medium-sized enterprises have been destroyed. Working people have reached their limits – they may even have surpassed them. Unemployment is rampant and the government needs to elaborate a comprehensive plan to address these issues.
I have been hearing in recent days from various people that Parliament isn’t intervening and doing anything to solve these problems. Parliament doesn’t have an executive role and can’t replace the Government. Parliament can legislate and exercise parliamentary scrutiny over the Government. Parliament cannot decide in the Government’s place, and this must be clear in everyone’s mind. Fully aware that our role as AKEL is to exercise control, we strongly criticize the government’s decisions because it’s evident that they are characterized by expediencies and considerations that have no place when it comes to human liv
