Filenews 13 February 2023 - by Nicoletta Kouroushi
Nikos Christodoulides gave the mark of the priorities and goals he has set, both in foreign policy and in internal governance, in his speech during his proclamation ceremony at the "Freedom" stadium, referring to the strengthening of the "European Western orientation of the country", as well as to the achievement of a state "flexible, effective, citizen-friendly, with transparency, meritocracy, fairness and accountability."
After stating that "from tomorrow we take the first actions, we take the first step for better days, with unity, with determination, with confidence and pride", he then referred extensively to the priorities and goals of his governance.
Cyprus issue - "Ending the occupation"
The new President initially made sure to stress that "my utmost concern is the end of the Turkish occupation, the reunification of our homeland. I will do everything to break the deadlock, to resume dialogue, to create the conditions for a solution to the Cyprus problem, to find friends, a solution that ensures that we leave our children with a country reunited on the ground, in the institutions, in the economy. A homeland that respects the rights of all its legal inhabitants, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins."
He also wanted to stress that "the current state of affairs cannot be the solution to the Cyprus problem. It cannot be the future of our country. Cyprus cannot be the last mutilated state in the European Union."
Foreign Policy - "Our European Western orientation is our constant compass"
Mr. Christodoulides also made sure to give an early signal of his direction in the field of Foreign Policy, both with his first statement outside the Politburo, and later during the proclamation ceremony.
"I have just spoken with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. Greece is our support and our selfless ally. I want you to be sure that our relations will be strengthened even more in all areas," the new President said.
He also wanted to mention that he also spoke with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mezzola, with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, with Senator Menendez and with other personalities from the wider Middle East, stressing that "our European Western orientation is our constant compass. This orientation will be further strengthened."
At the same time, he stated that "at the same time, friends, we will continue to expand our relations with all the countries of the region, but also with all the forces that can play an essential role in ending the occupation and resolving the Cyprus problem, always within the framework of the agreed framework of the United Nations and with absolute respect for the principles and values of the European Union".
Earlier in his statement, shortly before leaving the Politburo, he made special reference to the phone call of Emmanuel Macron, who, as he said, asked him to meet immediately, while underlining the importance that the French President gives to Cyprus-EU relations.
In addition to his stigma on Foreign Policy, he wanted to refer even to the Economy, noting that the goal is to achieve an Economy "with extroversion, which will be resilient and competitive".
Internal Governance - "A flexible, efficient, citizen-friendly state"
Regarding Internal Governance, he referred by name to all the individual sectors of the state, referring to "a flexible, efficient state, a citizen-friendly state, with transparency, meritocracy, justice and accountability, for a better quality of life in our city and countryside for all without exception. A homeland that will immediately ensure that it is not an attractive destination for irregular migrants. A state that will substantially support the farmer and the livestock breeder and that will in practice regenerate the primary sector in our country and revitalize the countryside. A Cyprus that will be on the side of families and young people in practice, that will give decent pensions and will support our vulnerable fellow citizens, offering equal opportunities to all those who need special care and special support. A homeland that will set the bar as high as possible for education and culture, with good public schools and promotion of sports, arts and letters. A Cyprus with quality health services. Yes, friends, we will strengthen and improve the General Health System, the greatest achievement in recent years that ensures equal and universal access to health services for every citizen".
