Filenews 20 June 2025
The Mayor of Paphos denounces the Government for politically motivated rejection of the project for the creation of a Model Centre for Long-Term Care and Employment of the Elderly in Paphos. Phaedonos Phaedon shone and thundered in a statement, in which he speaks of political hypocrisy and pettiness. He emphasizes that the attitude of the President of the Republic and the General Directorate of Development "cancels out social needs" and announces an extraordinary session of the Municipal Council to examine the unprecedented attitude of the Government towards the Local Authority and by extension the society of Paphos.
The announcement follows:
With deep disappointment and a sense of responsibility towards the society of Paphos, I am obliged to publicly denounce the unacceptable and politically motivated attitude of the Government, and specifically of the President of the Republic and the General Directorate of Development, in relation to the rejection of the feasibility study on the basis of a negative recommendation by the Development Directorate for the mature work of the Model Centre for Long-Term Care and Employment of the Elderly of the Municipality of Paphos.
The unsubstantiated rejection that was communicated to us through a simple e-mail, without prior consultation, without any call for clarifications at all, without a single comment on the substance of the project, is a monument of institutional lightness and clear political expediency. The role of the Secretary of the Council of Ministers, Mrs. Polys Papavassiliou, who wrongly performs the duties of Deputy Director General of the Development Directorate, is politically driven.
The study was carried out by recognized professionals on the basis of data, perspectives and societal needs. The scholars themselves, experienced in their field, have expressed their wonder and concern about the unprecedented attitude of the General Directorate of Development, which, instead of functioning institutionally, acted as a tool to obstruct a project of social contribution.
We must publicly ask the question: Who is bothered by the creation of a modern Centre for the Elderly in Paphos? Who is afraid of the implementation of yet another model social care project, which will not serve party interests but the local community?
It is obvious that some are attempting, under the pretext of vague bureaucratic procedures, to cancel a project of vital importance. However, Paphos is not blackmailed and silenced. The attempt to discredit a visionary plan for the elderly demonstrates the magnitude of the political hypocrisy and small-mindedness that prevails in certain decision-making centers.
As Mayor of Paphos, I clearly state that I am not going to allow anyone to cancel a social project that we owe to our elderly fellow citizens. The Center for the Elderly will be made – with or without the support of those who fight it. The citizens of Paphos know and will judge.
Considering the issue of major importance, I have convened an extraordinary session of the Municipal Council for tomorrow to examine the situation shaped by the unprecedented attitude of the Government towards the Local Authority and by extension the society of Paphos.
