The government bears enormous responsibility for the surge in corruption

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on the Eurobarometer findings on corruption

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11 June 2020, Nicosia

The Eurobarometer findings confirm the entrenched view of Cypriots about the magnitude of corruption in our country. Corruption is one of the biggest diseases afflicting our country. It poisons democracy, people’s equal treatment before the law and political life. It further distorts the economy’s functioning to the benefit of the powerful and cronies. It spreads disillusionment among citizens and especially young people.

No one doubts that corruption is a timeless phenomenon. However, the vast majority of people understand very well – as the Eurobarometer itself also points out – that during the period of the Anastasiades-DISY government, corruption has skyrocketed. In any case, this is demonstrated by numerous reports released by international and European organizations, as well as a series of press reports in the international press. The government bears a huge responsibility because Cyprus has made a bad name for itself and is being defamed internationally. This shameful and damaging image for our country is not unrelated to the fact that the government itself – even Mr. Anastasiades himself – reportedly often plays a leading role in cases that are under scrutiny from a legal, ethical and moral point of view.

AKEL does not overlook the fact that in people’s view corruption is noted in political parties as well. The responsibility for changing this perception lies primarily with the parties themselves, with the domestic political system itself. Political forces are judged on a day-to-day basis by their determination to support and promote drastic legislative and institutional radical changes to enhance scrutiny, transparency and accountability of the state, institutions and private interests. Furthermore, we are judged by the culture of transparency, ethos and honesty with which we operate and act.

AKEL has proposed a set of institutional measures to combat corruption in Cyprus and at the same time it has taken measures to bolster transparency in its own functioning. In fact, at the upcoming Party Congress we will further elaborate even more drastic measures. This is a universal demand of the people to which we must all respond.