Statement by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A.Kyprianou on the submission of the candidacies for the European elections

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 3 May 2019, Nicosia

Proud of the work that AKEL’s MEP’s have done over the past five years, where we have been ranked as the most active group in the European Parliament from Cyprus, we are today presenting the nominations of those who are called upon to continue this work and enrich it.

To strengthen the voice of Cyprus, at a time when its status and integrity are at stake.

To convey the message of its will to assert its rights, to safeguard its sovereignty, to ensure its stability, to shield its security to live once again in a free, united Cyprus free from occupying troops and foreign “guardians”.

By voting for the AKEL-Left-New Forces candidate list, the Cypriot people become an active participant in the developments that will determine the course of the European Union at a critical turning point in its history.

It unites its forces with the forces of progress, ecology, social justice, political change and demilitarization in Europe.

It resists the forces that are challenging popular gains, democratic freedoms and social rights.

These are the forces that are driving Europe into the interwar period, forces which foster ultra-right authoritarianism, generate reactionary, racist, xenophobic and populist nationalisms on a mass scale.

The stakes are many and of historical significance.

For Europe, which every day is moving away from its founding visions, the convergence of its economies, the solidarity of its peoples, and a dialogue between its cultures, the respect for racial, religious and ideological differences.

For Cyprus however, where every day that goes by new black clouds gather darkening the horizon of development, while new problems make the everyday life of people and their families more difficult.

New cases of erroneous administration, cronyism, interwoven interests, corruption and non-transparency are added to the list of symptoms that denigrate democracy, undermine institutions and disappoint citizens.

New pretexts are being put forth and new tricks are being employed, perpetuating the status quo and unfortunately making the prospects for the solution of the Cyprus problem distant.

It’s time to say enough is enough! Let’s put a stop to this downhill path. Let us send out the message of our disapproval to the government and that it is underestimating the intelligence and dignity of the Cypriot people.

Let’s convey the message of a new political majority that wants to change the course of developments, to rejuvenate the hope for a united homeland, in a more just and cohesive Europe with more solidarity.

This is the message the ballot of AKEL – Left – New Forces is sending out.

This is the message we must send on May 26th.

Abstaining from the European elections means tolerating those who scorn the efforts, labour, sacrifices and dreams of our people.

A vote for AKEL means a change of course, a change of direction, an assertion of the future that we want, can achieve and deserve.