On the 75th anniversary of the foundation of AKEL
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13th April 2016, Nicosia
On the occasion of the completion of 75 years since the foundation of the Progressive Party of the Working People, we address a warm greeting to the thousands of militants, members and friends of the Party and to the whole of the people of Cyprus.
With the founding assembly, which took place in the village of Skarinou on 14th April 1941, AKEL emerged on the political landscape of Cyprus and takes from the Communist Party of Cyprus (CCP) the baton of political and social struggles.
The development of the workers movement in Cyprus since the mid-1930’s had raised the imperative need for a mass party of the working class to struggle and act in legality. The militants of the underground CCP fully understood this need. They made use of the new conditions created by the Second World War and in cooperation with other progressive elements of Cypriot society the militants of the CCP proceeded to the foundation of the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), which represents the continuation of the Communist Party of Cyprus.
In the decades that passed since the assembly at Skarinou, AKEL through its struggles, actions, services and sacrifices established itself in the hearts and minds of the Cypriot people, especially among the working people. It was recognized as a patriotic bastion of struggles for the freedom of Cyprus. It established itself as the voice of the broad popular masses, as the principal force of democracy and social progress.
75 years since the foundation of AKEL, 90 years of life and struggles of CCP- AKEL, AKEL remains a modern, constantly renewing, militant and vanguard force of the Cypriot people.
AKEL remains the main guardian of our people in the struggle for the liberation and reunification of our country. It remains a key force for the perspective for our liberation from the occupation and for the construction of a secure and stable future. With seriousness and responsibility, AKEL is vindicated today for its insistence on adhering to fundamental positions of principle in relation to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
AKEL remains the main force of resistance against the neoliberal onslaught which was imposed in our country by the Anastasiades-DISY government and the Troika. It remains the force of the hope for healing the enormous social wounds which the policy imposed by the government and their Troika “friends” increased. Today, when unemployment, poverty, migration, the dismantling of the welfare state, the deterioration of labour relations and the growing income inequality are creating an even more harsh social reality, the strengthening of AKEL and the Left remains the surest way out of the deadlocks.
AKEL continues to be in the frontline and is fighting for a fair distribution of burdens and for the protection of society, youth, working people, SME’s and our national wealth.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of AKEL, we renew today our commitment towards the people of Cyprus to struggle until the liberation and reunification of our homeland, for social justice and prosperity.
With faith in our ideological principles. With belief in the socialist ideals. With respect to the glorious legacy of the ninety years of life, sacrifices, struggles and service to the people of Cyprus. AKEL, modern and renewed, militant and assertive. AKEL remains the greatest hope and a force for the perspective of Cyprus and our people.
In the parliamentary elections of 22nd May, the people of Cyprus will reward once again the history, struggles and services of AKEL. It will confirm the perspective and hope, establishing AKEL yet again as a leading force of the country.
