Filenews 1 March 2023 - by Chrysanthos Manoli
Some priorities in his economic and wider domestic political direction were set yesterday by the new President of the Republic, speaking from the podium of the Parliament during his installation ceremony.
After first saying that the country must have happy citizens, in order for a leader to be able to claim with a prospect of success for the interests of his people ("no battle was won and no struggle was vindicated while the protagonists were in difficulty", he said specifically), he shared the following goals for the coming period:
* Brief relief for our fellow citizens, with targeted economic measures,
* Resolving important outstanding labour issues in order to preserve labour peace (obviously meaning the settlement of a new ATA agreement and the evaluation or modification of the new strategy for workers from third countries),
* Solving problems in education (with priority as everything shows in the subject of four-month exams),
* Corrective actions in the health sector, always within the framework of GHS,
* Regeneration of the primary sector (agriculture - livestock),
* Accelerating the digital transformation and technological upgrading of the Public Service.
Through his speech, Nikos Christodoulides seemed to understand the problems of decent living that afflict a large part of the population. "I look forward," he said, "and I will work to make the lives of our fellow human beings better. To make them happier and prouder. Not only because they deserve it but also because this will strengthen our statehood, this indirectly but decisively will strengthen Cyprus in all, the great claims. That is why at the heart of our priorities is Man and his well-being, and this is what I will ask from the ministers and other state officials, who will take over their duties tomorrow (s.p. today).
He also seemed to understand that the evaluation of his governance by the citizens goes through and through the improvement in their livelihoods: "After all," he said, "the effective confrontation of the significant challenges of everyday life is the field through which citizens will judge whether the political leadership responds to the needs of the times, to their hopes and expectations."
Same course in the economy
The new President did not fail to say some kind words about the previous administration, stressing that it will continue in the same direction: "We receive," he said, "a healthy economy, characterized by fiscal discipline, a stable financial system and a series of structural reforms. We will continue on the same path and build on what has already been achieved, avoiding provisioning and preserving budgetary discipline. Our goal is to improve social cohesion and development."
"We are moving forward with our energy program"
"The Republic of Cyprus will develop and implement its energy program, on the basis of its sovereign rights," the President of the Republic stressed from the podium of the Parliament. He added: "Our country's energy planning is not directed against anyone and I refer specifically to Turkey. Cyprus is internationally recognized as a factor of security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean region. It maintains excellent relations with all the countries of the region and in the big picture that we have in mind, Turkey could have a place (...).
The energy wealth of Cyprus creates the conditions to strengthen cooperation on a political and economic level. For this to happen, Turkey must also show the necessary will, respect international law and meet its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus, which are obligations towards the European Union as well.
The insistence on outdated concepts, based on bigotry, as well as revisionist and expansionist policies, are a brake not only on Cyprus but also on the wider region and eu interests.
PROMISE
Corruption and worthlessness
As a follow-up to the intense debate that preceded during the election campaign on the huge corruption left in many areas by the outgoing government, Nikos Christodoulides told MPs and the public at large that "I will be happy if I manage, through the modernization of legislation, structures and services, to be able to fight corruption as a whole, favouritism, worthlessness and the service of citizens based on acquaintances".
At another point, he said that "for me, today, among other things, the big bet is modernization, transparency, accountability, prosperity, hope and perspective for all citizens".
