We call all those who really want change to support Stavros Malas’ candidacy next Sunday
Statement by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A. Kyprianou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 29th January 2018, Nicosia
Yesterday, with the hard work of hundreds of militants and members of AKEL, non-affiliated citizens and citizens from other party spectrums, the first step was taken in the great effort for real change in our country and for our people.
The day after finds us even more determined to achieve the ultimate goal: to get rid of the Nicos Anastasiades administration. Mr. Anastasiades had given everything he had to give. Unfortunately, we have lived through a five-year term that has undermined our people’s hope for solution and reunification. A five-year term that made the rich richer and the poor poorer; that drove thousands of young scientists to emigrate, while condemning the majority of young people to work without rights and miserable wages. A five-year term of governance in which the incidents of interwoven interests, corruption and cronyism/clientelism have become a daily phenomenon. A five-year term that does not offer a way out of the big problems and does not allow us to hope for a better future.
On the opposing end, the candidacy of Stavros Mala is the hope of the many. It is the candidacy characterized by seriousness, sincerity and credibility. It is the voice of all those who want to see Cyprus reunited and peaceful. It is the voice of all those who want dignified and quality jobs, a welfare state that protects and does not humiliate; who want meritocracy and growth for all. It is the voice of all those who want to see culture flourish and grow, the environment to be really protected. It is the voice of all those who at long last want Cyprus to move forward with transparency and progressive reforms.
We call all those who want to get rid of yesterday, all those who really want change to support Stavros Malas’ candidacy next Sunday. Now is the time for us to unite and united to pave the way for the Cyprus of tomorrow.
The General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A. Kyprianou replies to journalists’ questions on 2nd round of Presidential elections
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It has been said several times, more specifically by N. Papadopoulos’ election campaign team, that these elections would also be a referendum. Do you think a referendum took place? And I’m talking in relation to the Cyprus problem.
AK: As far as the Cyprus problem is concerned, if only we can reach an agreement and then a referendum would be held. We, for some years, have strongly supported a very clear line on the Cyprus problem. It is the same line we have set out since 1977 and we follow it with consistency. I therefore think that the position we have upheld all through this period is definitely a stand which, I would say, is accepted by a large section of the Cypriot people. However, I do not want to give the character of a referendum either as regards the Cyprus problem or anything else to this election campaign.
I believe what is at stake is the need for a change in the governance of the country. This is what all the candidates and political parties were stressing – with the exception of the governing DISY party and Nikos Anastasiades’ election team. I consider that now is the time to show how consistent we are to this goal and how credible we are.
Do you believe that there could be a framework for cooperation on the Cyprus problem with the parties, mainly of the so-called “intermediary” political spectrum, who didn’t manage to go through to the second round of the presidential elections, based on what they themselves had said up to now?
AK: Stavros Malas was clear in his statement yesterday. He has submitted a program of governance before the people of Cyprus. This program cannot be changed, especially with regards core issues. From then onwards, he is ready to hear ideas and thoughts that will enrich this program. But not to change it as far as the substantive issues is concerned.
How will you work to support Mr. Malas in the 2nd round? Apart from the contacts Malas will be seeking, will you also be having contacts with parties?
AK: Let’s first let these contacts with the political parties be made, and then we will decide how we will proceed.
Names are being heard regarding various Ministries. Have these names been agreed or are consultations ongoing?
AK: As far as I know no name has been agreed. Let me say that the elections end on Sunday and the discussions about the various Ministries will begin after the 2nd round, next Monday. With regards the Finance Ministry, Mr. Malas is committed to announcing the person he will choose for this post. As far as I know it hasn’t yet been decided who this person will be. I think we should all be patient and if he is committed to announcing it we will know about it soon.
Perhaps it would also be a radical break, especially important for Mr. Mala, if, when the discussions with the other parties begin and don’t conclude anywhere, and from the moment the opening is being made to society, Mr. Malas would proceed even to the announcement of more candidates for Ministers, and by doing so to show that no proceedings are taking place the day after, but that citizens should know beforehand what the Ministerial Cabinet will be with whom he will govern.
AK: Let Mr. Malas decide. This is an opinion that is expressed, there are also other different views with the arguments that accompany them. What I can tell you is that there will be no “dealings” with anyone at all. I’m categorical on this matter, because you already know that AKEL has made it clear that no leading AKEL cadres will participate in a Cabinet. We expect, correspondingly, that the same will be the case with other parties.
Do you consider that the people have given a reply to all the discourse about a “new strategy”, the need for change, the way the Cyprus problem should be handled, about the process in a way resembling as the Papadopoulos election campaign team had declared a referendum, but it isn’t a clear referendum, was a clear reply to all the forces that set the issue of changing the strategy regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem?
AK: I consider what was mainly at stake for the people was the need for change in the administration of the country. And I think this was the decisive criterion that guided the people to take their stand in the way they expressed their opinion. From then on, he certainly took into account all the other issues.
In the last few days, Mr. Malas has also made an opening to AKEL’s disappointed voters. Do you believe that, judging from the result too, was that goal achieved?
AK: It is evident that steps have been taken in the correct direction from our side as AKEL. Let’s say we have a great deal to do until we fully win the trust of traditional AKEL voters. We have to solve their everyday problems, we must convince them that we can make their lives better. When we do these things, we will win their trust again, not only of traditional AKEL voters but also of the broader masses of society.
