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Thank you very much for being
here tonight and I welcome you all, key institutional partners partners in
the implementation of the Governance Programme.
In my Governance Programme I
had included as an action "the annual presentation of the legislative
programme that the executive intends to promote". Tonight, this process
is institutionalised, making a catalytic contribution to the transparent and
timely communication of what the Government is planning/programming for
implementation. The timing is certainly essential; at the beginning of each
year, to inform society, members of the legislature and judiciary,
representatives of the social partners and productive stakeholders about our
key priorities in 2024. After all, this great effort needs all of us who are
aware of and share a common vision to take our country forward, methodically,
collectively and in coordinated manner.
In the past year, the
Government has laid the foundations and worked with dedication and specific
planning to deliver results in all policy areas. At the same time, we have
resolved and wheeled out solutions to long-standing issues. An extensive
review will take place on March 4th on the occasion of the
completion of one year of governance.
The government's strategic
orientation for 2024 and beyond is based on a set of targeted priorities and
modernising reforms:
First, to improve the daily
life of citizens by tackling bureaucracy, promoting digital transformation,
and addressing chronic problems such as migration and traffic.
Second, to ensure a strong and
resilient economy.
Third, the need to lay the
foundations for a better tomorrow with education and health at the centre of
our efforts.
Fourth, on green transition.
Fifth, the modernisation and
restructuring of the state through the strengthening of institutions.
And sixth, to make Cyprus a
strong partner both in the EU and in the wider region.
The cornerstone of all our
policies and actions is, of course, none other than the resolution of the
Cyprus problem and the reunification of our country, which will also be a
catalyst for the full exploitation of the country's potential.
From day one, I mentioned the
need to work so that every Cypriot citizen's quality of life improves.
Let me start with the Digital
Transformation of the country, as a means of creating a modern, efficient and
citizen-friendly state, not as an abstract concept, but as a horizontal
action that concerns the whole society.
Within 2024 we are creating the
Digital Citizen, an application that will become the central reference point
for each and every one of us and on which we will create the building blocks
of the entire range of digital services of the State to the citizen. The
beginning is made with the Electronic Signature and Electronic Identity.
Within 2024, utilising the Digital Citizen application, we will be able to
electronically sign applications for benefits and / or the issuance of
official documents, which will be sent electronically to the relevant
services without the need for any physical presence. At the same time,
official documents such as driver's licence, biometric identity card and
vehicle registration documents will be digitised and used through the Digital
Citizen application. Implementing this action will also allow our businesses
to develop their electronic relationship with their customers further.
In implementing actions for the
transition to the new digital era, we are leveraging the business world in
the IT and Technology sector, as well as the transfer of know-how through the
updated Memorandum of Understanding with Greece, which will allow us to gain
valuable time.
In 2024 we are also expanding
the digital system "IPPODAMOS" of the Department of Τown Planning
and Housing, to cover the entire range of licensing, significantly reducing
bureaucracy. At the same time, we are revising the planning permit system,
simplifying the relevant procedures and reducing the required permit time. In
this context, the implementation of 22 specific actions has already started
with a target date of implementation of June 2024, the most important of
which is securing all planning permit for small-scale residential
developments with a new, faster procedure through the participation of
private consultants.
The fight against bureaucracy
includes the great challenge of paying all benefits quickly and on time.
Following the payment of the statutory pension in a single month, our goal in
2024 is to pay the benefits and allowances of the Social Security, starting
with the childbirth benefit, within 30 days. At the same time, following the
streamlining of the Minimum Guaranteed Income through the modernisation and
upgrading of the relevant procedures, all applications will be processed
within 60 days.
To support young couples, I am
also announcing tonight the immediate promotion of a bill to increase
maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks while, at the same time, we are
considering extending parental leave.
It is an undeniable fact that
as a State we have to do much more for the Third Age. With respect to our
elders, we are launching in 2024, for the first time, a Subsidy Scheme for
Fees for Seniors' Care Homes.
In 2024 we will also complete
the new, modern legislation for people with disabilities, which will regulate
overall issues of social inclusion, rehabilitation and participation, as well
as social benefits and services. At the same time, we are implementing,
following its adoption, the legislation on hate speech on the internet. In
2024 we are also expanding the successful scheme of the "Neighbourhood
Social Worker" nationwide.
With the best interest of
children in mind, within 2024 we will proceed through legislation to
modernise the adoption procedures, as well as the fostering of children whose
care is in the hands of the state.
Regarding the issue of Mental
Health, we are completing in 2024 the National Strategy as well as the first
phase of the new Mental Health Centre, addressing the issue for the first
time through a holistic approach.
To address the major challenge
of securing housing we are implementing the new affordable housing policy,
whereas with actions of €77 million we aim to provide solutions to the number
one problem of our young people. We are increasing the production and supply
of affordable housing for the benefit of the middle class, in particular
through the innovative "Rent and Upgrade" and "Built to
Rent" schemes, which will be implemented in the spring.
In March 2024 we are also
submitting to the Parliament a new legislative framework to enhance
transparency, equality and meritocracy in relation to the management of
Turkish Cypriot properties, which will include, among other things, new
procedures through the use of a point system and auctions.
I would now like to turn to the
issue of migration. The policy we have been implementing for the last 11
months, so that our country is no longer considered an attractive
destination, is already paying off. Our country is currently ranked first in
terms of the percentage of departures, with the relevant percentage
increasing by 66% compared to 2022.
In 2024 we are specifically
focusing on:
Examining applications within
30 days,
Strengthening the human
resources of the returns sector,
Immediate cut-off of allowances
- there and where the application has been rejected,
Establishment of the Deputy
Ministry of Immigration and Asylum.
Within 2024 we are also
promoting the further tightening of penalties for offences of migrant
smuggling by submitting a relevant bill, we are setting up a special unit in
the Police for a more effective fight against trafficking networks, we are
promoting the payment of benefits to asylum seekers through a prepaid card so
that they are used exclusively to cover living needs, and we are
strengthening our efforts at the European level with other like-minded Member
States to reassess the status of certain regions in Syria and their
categorisation as safe areas for repatriation.
Concerning the problem of
congestion, which is a daily inconvenience for all of us, there are currently
750,000 vehicles on our roads, a number which is projected to increase to
800,000 by 2030. Following the "Pame Express" pilot project and the
very encouraging results (about 400 vehicles per day are removed from the
Nicosia road network), we are proceeding in 2024 with the creation of new
"Park and Ride" areas and special "Pame Express" routes,
in the first phase, in Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. At the same time, in
2024 we are completing the installation of 300 new bus shelters and bus stops
and the creation of special lanes for bicycles and buses.
Ensuring a strong economy is a
prerequisite for promoting actions that will lead to an improvement in the
quality of life of citizens.
Our economic policy is based on
the triptych: fiscal responsibility, financial stability and bold reforms,
building on the important work done in previous years. The compass of our
effort is Vision 2035, which aims to make our country "an ideal place for everyone to work,
live and do business".
I am well aware the increase in
the cost of living (although inflation has fallen significantly compared to
the European Union average) is a key problem for our households, and tackling
it is high on our priorities. It is precisely in this context that last
October we announced a package of immediate and medium-term measures
amounting to 196 million Euro to support Cypriot society. Within 2024 we are
continuing with targeted measures and actions, as well as close monitoring of
the market to avoid any issues of obscenity. Within the year, the e-kalathi
platform will be implemented, and a bill will be promoted which will set a
maximum price for specific products.
We are optimistic about the
course of the country's economy. The positive performance is confirmed by the
successive upgrades from the rating agencies, which now all classify us at
investment grade. Their decisions are a reward for a responsible economic
policy and a vote of confidence in the government's plans. However, we are by
no means complacent.
It is through this responsible
approach that we prepared the Government's first budget for 2024. A budget
with broad parliamentary support – and here I would like to thank once again
the political forces – which is representative of our political priorities. A
growth-oriented surplus focused on reforms, fiscal balance and social
justice.
A strong primary surplus for
the period 2024-2026, significantly higher than the medium-term primary
surplus target of 3% of GDP, is an important tool for the implementation of
our policies and is fully in line with the new EU fiscal rules. As regards public
debt, the target for 2024 is to reduce it to 72.5% of GDP with a key target
of 60% in 2026. Of crucial importance for achieving the fiscal targets is the
continuous monitoring of the implementation of the Budget and the promotion
of economic growth, with emphasis on the implementation of the Recovery and
Resilience Plan projects. The target for 2024 is to forward to the EU, after
the completion of the relevant preconditions, the 4th and 5th payment requests, to secure an amount of €200 million. For the successful
completion of some of the outstanding milestones, I look forward to the
cooperation of the House of Representatives.
In 2024, and to address a
chronic distortion, we are commissioning the International Monetary Fund to
conduct a study to rationalise the state wage bill, based on international
and European standards. Within the first half of the year we are also moving forward
with cuts in government spending, so that there is greater scope for
development actions.
In 2023 we activated the
National Solidarity Fund through the operation of a dedicated platform and
the doubling of the annual contribution to the Fund to €50 million. Five
years after its establishment, in 2024, the submission of online applications
will be completed for the assessment of compensation from the Fund.
At the same time, after
intensive efforts for a holistic approach to the issue of non-performing loan
management, another issue that had been pending for years was resolved in ten
months. In the immediate future we will proceed with the appointment of a Financial
Ombudsman with expanded responsibilities, strengthening the protection of
vulnerable borrowers and the effort to reduce non-performing loans.
Continuous and bold reforms are
a prerequisite for strengthening the competitiveness of our economy.
As part of our ambitious
reforms we are prioritising tax reform. In 2024 we are presenting, as a first
step, our proposals for green taxation, which will be fiscally neutral, i.e.
the revenue generated will be used for compensatory measures to mitigate the
impact on citizens and businesses, as well as to implement new measures and
projects and/or strengthen existing ones to address climate challenges.
2024 is a crucial year in the
area of reforms, as we are called upon to implement three flagship reforms
adopted by the previous administration: local government, the Public
Administration and the Judiciary. The implementation of the reforms, which
are admittedly part of an evolutionary process with the need for continuous
corrective interventions, will not be without obstacles and difficulties. But
we are prepared to take bold decisions to ensure their successful
implementation.
Furthermore, in order to
improve access to finance for small and medium-sized start-ups and
self-employed people by April 2024, we present a roadmap for the
establishment of a National Enterprise Development Agency. The Agency,
through financial and guarantee instruments, will finance the general needs
of SMEs as well as investments for digital and green transition.
Attracting productive
investment for the sustainability of the economy and creating quality jobs is
our administration's top priority. In 2024, we are moving to enrich the
successful Strategy for Attracting Investment and Talent, by introducing the
Blue Card to attract skilled scientific personnel in areas where shortages
are identified, as well as implementing legislation to facilitate strategic
investments. In 2024, new concrete major investments are expected to be
announced in the energy, technology, tourism and education sectors.
With the aim of increasing the
contribution of the primary sector from the current 1.8% of GDP, we are
updating the National Strategy for the Primary Sector and announcing specific
actions, using new technologies in the food sector as a catalyst for innovation
in domestic raw materials as well as the creation of modern infrastructure
and units in the primary sector.
I am well aware that the
continued growth of the economy, combined with the successful management of
irregular migration, increases the need for labour, especially in important
sectors of the economy such as tourism, construction and trade. Therefore, an
important priority for 2024 is implementing a comprehensive employment
policy, including the rapid and timely processing of applications. At the
same time, we are negotiating with specific countries to secure the necessary
workforce through bilateral agreements expected to be signed in 2024.
In order to create the
necessary conditions for a better tomorrow, the substantial upgrading of
Education, is one of my top priorities. The aim is to modernise the school to
become modern and inclusive.
Within 2024, we are proceeding
with the revision of 43 curricula of all courses in Secondary General and
Primary Education, with a reduction of the syllabus and emphasis on essential
knowledge, thus addressing the phenomenon of mismatch between skills and
labour market needs.
At the same time, the
modernization of the all-day school is being completed within the year,
through the linking of the afternoon education programme with the morning
one, the upgrading of the courses and, for the first time, the certification
of children's knowledge. For example, in English or computer classes, our
children will now have the option of taking exams to certify their
knowledge.
We are also legislating to
gradually extend compulsory pre-primary education from the age of 4, thus
helping to reconcile family and professional life.
Within 2024, we are upgrading
Technical Education, with specific measures for linking curricula to the
needs of the labour market. In other words, we are multiplying the programmes
we offer to students and young people, modernising them in terms of content
and enriching them with new technologies. With specific provisions
In addition, through the
development of a single integrated strategy that we will present in the first
half of 2024, we are upgrading the quality of Higher Education by amending
the relevant legislation. Specifically, we are categorizing, on the basis of
quality criteria, our Higher Education Institutions and our Universities, and
upgrading and modernizing curricula. Our aim, among others, is to make Cyprus
an attractive and competitive destination for quality studies.
From September 2024, as a
result of the ongoing structured dialogue, the implementation of the
reorganized Special Education starts, giving impetus to the implementation of
the long-term planning for the transition to inclusive schooling.
In the field of Culture, within
this year, in response to the needs of the artistic community, we are
submitting the bill for regulating the status and professional status of the
Artist, providing a solution to a long-standing issue. At the same time, by
re-targeting and modernising grant schemes, we support all aspects of
cultural creation and the digital upgrading of cultural venues.
Twenty twentyfour has been
declared the National Year of Youth. In this context, Ministries and Deputy
Ministries are promoting specific actions for our young people, with the
ultimate goal of their more active participation in society.
At the same time, we are
strengthening the institution of participatory democracy, opening channels of
two-way communication with citizens, through the operation of a special
digital tool for non-binding referendums and the special platform EKFRACY,
for young people.
I truly believe in the
potential and the prospects of the New Generation. Young people must have a
meaningful role and voice in the developments in our country. I am announcing
tonight that, within 2024, we will proceed, through dialogue with the legislature
and social partners, to lower the age limit to 17 years for voting and
automatically register young voters on the electoral rolls.
As I have said
repeatedly, the health sector is integral to creating a better tomorrow. In
addition to prevention and early diagnosis, a key objective is to ensure
quality health services for all citizens, wherever they live and throughout
their lives.
Undoubtedly,
the GESY is the biggest social reform. At the same time, in order to
safeguard it, we must address any distortions. Our key priorities for 2024
are to manage the autonomy of public hospitals and to strengthen the
effectiveness of the GHS supervisory mechanisms. At the same time, within the
year, we are advancing important bills, among which are:
First, the
operation of university hospitals for tertiary education purposes,
Second, the
establishment and operation of recovery and rehabilitation centres,
Third,
palliative care,
Fourth,
modernisation of the operation of Radiological Diagnostic Centres and
clinical laboratories,
Fifth,
providing quality ambulance services,
Sixth, Patient
Ombudsman.
We are already facing the
consequences of the climate crisis, one of humanity's greatest
challenges.
Consistent with our objectives
and commitments at the European and international levels, we are supporting,
through a number of schemes, the energy upgrade of households and businesses,
expanding and digitizing electricity grids, promoting energy storage from
renewable energy sources and working towards the launch of the Competitive
Market.
We are significantly increasing
the funds utilized through the Renewable Energy Sources Fund, from 90 to 135
million euros, implementing the "Photovoltaics for All" Plan. At
the same time, we are promoting the penetration of RES projects through land
and marine spatial planning by facilitating licensing procedures through the
use of an integrated digital platform. We are also subsidising the energy
upgrade of large enterprises within 2024 and making the circular economy a
reality.
At the same time, we are
boosting electromobility with 36 million Euros, with the re-launch in a few
days of an improved incentive plan for the purchase of electric vehicles,
with increased subsidies for disabled people, large families and taxi owners,
the withdrawal of old polluting vehicles, and a grant for the installation of
650 recharging points.
I am also announcing tonight
the creation of Green Community, with the aim that by 2024, communities
and/or clusters of communities, with the contribution of the state, will not
only become energy-independent but also serve other environmental objectives.
To respond to the increased
natural disasters due to the climate crisis, we are moving forward with
establishing the reinforced Civil Protection Service and upgrading the 112
emergency line.
The state has to adapt to the
needs of today's world and gain the trust of citizens. After all,
modernisation and the transition to the new era we all envision cannot be
achieved without the trust of society in the institutions.
It is time for bold
institutional reforms. Within 2024, in cooperation with the legislature and
independent institutions, we are tabling legislative proposals to regulate,
first, the retirement age and rationalise benefits for state officials;
second, the optimisation of the existing legal framework on professional
incompatibility, and third, issues related to the functioning of both the Law
and Audit Office.
At the same time, our clear
will for zero tolerance of practices that expose Cyprus internationally is
proven. The reputation and credibility of our country is above all.
We are moving forward with
improving the regulatory framework for the supervision of administrative
services companies, including through consultation with stakeholders, and we
are submitting a proposal for a Single Supervisory Authority in 2024. At the same
time, we are strengthening the competent agencies dealing with financial
crime, and expediting, with the assistance of foreign experts, the rapid and
full investigation of cases before the competent authorities. At the same
time, we are implementing a comprehensive international campaign to restore
our country's reputation.
Strengthening citizens' sense
of security is also a key obligation of the state. Among other things,
reorganising the police and the new policing plan is an essential step in
this direction. The front line of the police force is being strengthened,
with 350 police officers being relieved of clerical duties and concentrating
on purely operational tasks.
The presence of the Republic of
Cyprus at the international arena should not be monothematic. With a
multi-level foreign policy, we claim an enhanced role in the European Union's
affairs and promote our country as a pillar of security and stability in the
wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
In 2024, we are seizing
important opportunities to highlight further our outward-looking role at
regional and European levels, that of a reliable and creative partner. In
2024, among other things, our country will assume the Presidency of the 9
Mediterranean Member States of the European Union, host the 2nd
Intergovernmental Meeting between Greece and Cyprus and intensify
preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of
2026.
At the same time, and taking
into account the ongoing occupation of our country and regional developments,
we are working to strengthen the deterrent power of our country. In this
context, the manpower of the National Guard and securing a modern semi-professional
army is a priority. Within 2024, we are proceeding with the revision of the
terms of employment, promotion and salary upgrading of the institution of
Contracted Soldiers.
Our priorities for 2024 also
include advancing our membership of the Visa Waiver Program for the United
States, intensifying our efforts to join Schengen, further developing our
bilateral relations with neighbouring states and broadening our regional cooperation.
Within the year, we are also moving forward with the establishment of
Diplomatic Missions in Armenia and Kazakhstan that will serve the political,
economic and commercial interests of the Republic.
At the top of all our
priorities, and my primary concern, is the end of the occupation and the
reunification of our homeland. The present state of affairs cannot be the
future of Cyprus. A reunited, prosperous Cyprus through a viable
comprehensive settlement, based on the agreed UN framework and EU principles
and values, will allow us to realise the full potential of our country.
The appointment of the UN
Secretary General's personal envoy, who is already in our country, as a
result of our own intense and sincere efforts, opens a window of opportunity
after several years, in conjunction with the more active involvement of the
European factor. I look forward to our first meeting tomorrow so that we can
work together towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Despite the difficulties,
problems and challenges, which I do not underestimate in any way, I will do
everything possible with the sole aim of resuming negotiations from where
they were interrupted in Crans-Montana in order to resolve the Cyprus problem
on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with political equality as
described in the relevant United Nations resolutions.
Tonight, I presented more than
80 policies and actions that we plan to implement in 2024, following a
dialogue with the legislature and independent institutions, whose cooperation
I aspire to. I strongly believe that a fundamental component of good governance
is timely communication of its political priorities. All that I have
announced is not exhaustive, nor does it cover all the policy areas detailed
in the Action Plans of the Ministries for 2024, which have been published for
the first time.
I want to thank you once again
for being here.
I have faith in the strength
that comes from a collective effort for the growth and prosperity of Cyprus.
I have absolutely no doubt that we can achieve this through collective
effort. After all, this great effort needs all of us who share a common vision;
nothing less than to take our country forward for the benefit of all Cypriot
people, those to whom we are accountable on a daily basis.
Thank you very
much.
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(ΡΜ/AP/NΖ)
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