On the Anniversary of AKEL’s Foundation

 

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 14th April 2015, Nicosia

 

On the occasion of the 74th anniversary since the founding of the Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus AKEL, we address a warm greeting to the thousands of cadres, members and friends of the Party and to the people of Cyprus as a whole.

With the founding assembly held at Skarinou village on 14th April 1941 AKEL emerges on the political scene of Cyprus and takes the baton of political and social struggles from the Communist Party of Cyprus.

The development of the workers movement in Cyprus from the mid 1930’s strongly highlighted the need for a mass party of the working class to develop its activity in legality. The cadres of the prohibited Communist Party of Cyprus CPC struggling in illegality were fully conscious of this need. Making use of the new conditions created by the Second World War and in cooperation with other progressive elements of Cypriot society, the cadres of the CPC founded the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), which represents the successor of the Communist Party of Cyprus.

In the decades that have passed since that founding assembly in Skarinou, AKEL, through its struggles, actions, service and sacrifices, established itself in the hearts and minds of the Cypriot people, especially among the working people. It established itself as a patriotic bastion of struggle for the freedom of Cyprus; as the exponent and voice of the broad popular masses, and as the principal force of democracy and social progress.

In today’s conditions, AKEL, far from any petty-party considerations and calculations, remains the trustworthy and patriotic political force that gives a perspective to the struggle for the liberation from the occupation and the reunification of our country and people. We keep the hope alive for a peaceful future in a free Cyprus, where all its sons and daughters, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, will build their lives in stability and security.

The historic success of Cyprus, during the previous government, to be incorporated in Europe’s and the world’s energy map has created new given facts with regards the Cyprus problem as well, which provided they are properly utilised by our side may contribute decisively so that we can break the chains of subjugation our people have been carrying for 41 years.

Unfortunately, the continuing Turkish intransigence and provocations with the challenging of the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone led the Cyprus problem to stagnation and a dangerous deadlock.

The Anastasiades government was not blameless for this development, which through its expediencies, contradictions and backtracking, as well as through the one-dimensional and pro-Western character of its foreign policy, facilitated the Turkish designs and provocations.

The apparent resumption of the negotiations next month opens a window of hope, which must be utilised correctly. Adherence to the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem and the strategic goal for a bizonal bicommunal federation, the abandonment of considerations by the government, the forging of a strong web of alliances and international support to the efforts for a just and viable solution and the creation of conditions for the waging of a common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for the liberation and reunification of our country, continue to be indispensable prerequisites for the successful outcome of the Cypriot people’s struggle for liberation from the on-going occupation.

Our homeland, regrettably, as a result of the capitalist crisis, especially under the weight of the banking crime committed, found itself at the same time in a unique, this time economic occupation by Cyprus’ Troika lenders. While the banking crime was in progress, AKEL was the only party that issued timely warnings when other political forces were providing cover for the bankers and the then Governor of the Central Bank, trying to incriminate the Left, wage earners, pensioners, the welfare state and public spending in general.

Despite the fact that events have refuted them they are unfortunately insisting on the same policies, with only one significant difference. For over two years now they themselves have assumed the governance of the country. Despite their pre-election commitments to the contrary, they are continuing from where they left on when they were the opposition. They are attempting to shift the burden of the banking crime and economic devastation that it has caused, only on the shoulders of the people, workers, SME’s and citizens by relieving, protecting and supporting at the same time the diverse large private interests.

In these conditions where society and workers are under the attack of the Memorandum and government policies, AKEL was, and remains, the main bastion of resistance. It is in the frontline of the struggle and fighting for a fair distribution of burdens and to protect society, workers, SMEs, but also our national wealth.

AKEL is taking initiatives towards this end, both within and outside the House of Representatives by tabling a series of proposals to be approved as bills for the protection of working people, households, the vulnerable groups of the population and small businesses. AKEL is elaborating and submitting proposals for dealing with the impact of the crisis and for economic recovery, while its comprehensive proposal for society in general has already been presented before the party membership and the Cypriot people, in view of the convening of the 22nd Party Congress on 4-7th June.

Our goal if for our 22th Congress, which is being held under the slogan “Strength comes from struggle and hope from the Left”, will signal the further strengthening of the Party, so that it will become even more capable and effective in the political, class and social struggles it is waging, always at the service of the people of Cyprus.

On the occasion of its founding anniversary, AKEL renews its commitment towards the Cypriot people that it will never lower the banner of struggle for the liberation of our country and for social justice and prosperity.

Faithful to the socialist ideas and precious legacy of almost nine decades of life, struggle and sacrifices, AKEL will remain the consistent, responsible and militant force defending the just cause and rights of the working people, our people and Cyprus.