We will overcome this ordeal together
Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL A.Kyprianou
It is in such conditions, that its appreciated how important central planning for public services and goods, universal rights and the value of putting them over profit is for every society
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 20 March 2020, Nicosia
Our country is continues to be going through critical times. We believe that the Government and the political forces have a responsibility to work together to overcome the crisis we are facing. The appropriate measures should be taken to support society and the economy. This is also what the Central Bank and the banking institutions need to do and that’s what we are demanding.
As AKEL, we have for some time been identifying problems and shortcomings. We are trying to make a constructive contribution so that they can be addressed. This is our priority right now.
We have already submitted proposals towards this end. The majority of them were adopted by the Government. We express our satisfaction with this development. At yesterday’s meeting, we submitted new proposals with regards the economic obligations of the majority of the people in relation to loans, rents and the imposition of a ceiling on essential commodities. We first and foremost demanded that measures must be taken for the self-employed. There was a positive response from the President and the Ministers at the meeting. We expect these specific bills to be prepared so that we can engage in consultations with the government and the other political parties. The critical times we are going through make unanimity in the handling of the situation imperative. It is our wish that the Government will put forward such proposals that will respond to the climate of yesterday’s meeting by enabling us to unanimously support whatever measures.
Right now compatriots of ours have found themselves without a job because of the closure of businesses based on the relevant Government decrees.
It is the state’s obligation to support them, as it is also its obligation to support the businesses that are affected by this crisis. The government has also given promises that jobs will not be lost. All of the above promises must be transformed into concrete measures so as to ensure that people do not lose their jobs and that businesses are supported.
The other level where we all need to pull together our forces is the fight against the spread of the virus.
The key pillar to achieve this goal is the public health system. The state has a debt and a responsibility to support it so that it can play its role. The Government and state health services organisation (OKYPY) are called upon to take all the appropriate measures.
Tomorrow AKEL will submit specific proposals on what additional measures need to be taken.
Cooperation between the public sector, the private sector and general practitioners (GP’s) is of the utmost importance right now. Public sector medical and nursing staff is our principal weapon in the fight against the virus. We have to protect, but also strengthen them. All of our gratitude for the work they are doing right now is given. But that is not enough. The Government must, in a planned way, ensure the support of their colleagues from the private sector and general practitioners. Furthermore, the government must provide everyone with all the necessary tools and means they need to carry out the enormous task they have undertaken.
In such circumstances, how each one of us should act is dictated by science. This must be respected by all. It is important for all of us to show respect for the general common interest and to comply with the advice given by the experts and specialists on what each one of us can and must do. We all need to confine ourselves and follow the instructions of the experts. At the same time, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that adequate staffing, hygiene and catering conditions prevail in quarantine areas, and that those who are confined or isolated have adequate support for what they need. We as AKEL have put ourselves at the disposable of the Government to provide help and assistance.
At the same time we want to express our intense displeasure about the panic being cultivated by some in society. Everyone, but first and foremost the Government itself, must abstain from taking any actions and issuing statements that fuel panic. The situation is critical. But it will be tackled more effectively with calm and a clear mind.
After all, panic is not justified, nor any hasty actions that spread it.
It is in such conditions, that it is appreciated how important centralized planning for public services and goods, universal rights and the value of putting them over profit is for every society. It has also been demonstrated how important it is for every society to place “collective” interest and duty over “personal” interest. With these preconditions in mind, we are convinced we shall pull through together. We will overcome this ordeal together.
