The government is responsible for the sharp decline in the corruption indexes
Statement by AKEL Political Bureau member A. Damianou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18th November 2020, Nicosia
At a time when depreciation is damaging institutions, powers and the political system, we do not offer any service by appearing as the only defenders of the effort to stamp out corruption, by even shifting the blame on to others. We regret to note that this is the message the Minister of Justice and Public Order is trying to convey. That is to say, that the Anastasiades-DISY government has one everything perfectly and that the government ruling forces are oblivious to corruption. We categorically reject this approach.
It is the Anastasiades-DISY government that is responsible for Cyprus’ sharp decline in the indexes table on corruption. It is Mr. Anastasiades and his Council of Ministers who are involved in cases of institutional interwoven interests. The golden passports scandal, the Saudi private jet traveling to the Seychelles and Ryan Air case are all the work of the Anastasiades-DISY government.
At the same time it isn’t right for a member of the Council of Ministers to reproduce incorrect information, which she has obviously received. A number of legislative initiatives she cites were submitted by parties – not by the government. Issues such as ensuring restrictions on the number of terms for officials and expanding the list of persons for an asset statement were initiatives taken by the opposition and principally by AKEL – at the same time as the ruling party, but also the then Minister of Justice disagreed. In addition, the bills she invokes never reached Parliament or were kept in her Ministry’s drawers or other Ministries up till yesterday. For example, the establishment of the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority or today’s late submission of a bill for harmonisation with the European acquis on money laundering.
We agree with the Minister that the key to stamping out corruption lies in the demonstration of political will. The political practice of the government ruling circles does not permit us to be optimistic that they have that necessary political will.
