The government and ruling DISY party must stop hiding

 

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas on the Reform of local government

7 December 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Just when the discussions on the Reform of local government are just a breath away from completion, the government is engaging in games that threaten to destroy everything.

The government and ruling DISY party must stop hiding and put aside their behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing. Do they or do they not want the Reform to be completed, approved and proceed as it was formulated after so many efforts and dialogue between Parliament, Local Government and the government? Do they or do they not want the Reform of local government?

We recall that the idea of five Municipalities was rejected 6 years ago by all the parties – even by the ruling DISY itself. Bringing back this idea today would mean annulling all the discussions, consensus and progress that has been achieved in recent years. It essentially means everything starting from scratch.

The Reform of local government was and is a necessity for the country which is precisely why AKEL is at the forefront of the effort to realise it.

In the face of the developments of the last few days, the people and local government bodies and local communities must speak out. Society has the duty again – just as it did with the NHS – to impose a reform that the country needs to move forward.