By Achilleas Dimitriadis
Many challenges go beyond our borders. We think about our divided homeland, the economic problems that plague us, the environment that is being destroyed and what we could do for a better tomorrow for our children.
The frustration is evident. People understand that there is much that bothers us and prevents us from progressing. We can no longer leave them under the rug. Our country cannot be a champion of corruption and opacity. The Republic of Cyprus (which needs international solidarity) cannot be taken to the European Court of Justice twice by the Commission for the well-known issue of golden passports. In all international corruption indicators we have hit rock bottom. Is this the Cyprus we want to have for ourselves and our children?
The question we need to answer is simple: can we change things or are we doomed to live in this vicious cycle of decline?
My answer is that we can change things because it is up to us to make that change. How?
First, trust in the institutions has been lost. Citizens question and discredit decisions that should govern the good of all. It takes a lot of effort to make the citizen feel that it is worthwhile to participate in decisions that affect us all!
The Honourable State is my answer to today's deadlocks. Honest State means putting an end to the absence of transparency and the lack of accountability. The current picture of maladministration and corruption must give way to progress and development for all. Shield public life with rules that are respected. Leaders must lead by example and we must know what they are doing. Even upgrading e-government and speeding up the administration of justice is now urgent.
Second, we are two steps away from the partition of our country. We can prevent it! First by regaining our credibility in the European arena, and then by engaging with the European interests that will protect us. These two go together, so we need to emphasize the factor of credibility and validity in our claims.
Third, we can give the economy depth and balance, with more opportunities in the investment sector, reducing inequalities, holding firmly to a responsible fiscal policy but at the same time taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the new European economic policy that is under way. The state has a responsibility to strengthen the social welfare system with targeted safety nets for our most vulnerable citizens.
A prerequisite for everything is the fight against corruption, upgrading the image of Cyprus as a serious investment destination and the proper utilisation of the country's human potential. And not to forget the environment and our debt to posterity. Green growth and the circular economy is the way to ensure quality of life.
Fourth, reform in education is necessary. Our children and young people must acquire the skills to compete in today's environment imposed by our membership of the European Union - free movement of workers, distance work and education, lifelong learning and new forms of employment.
We know the difficulties we face in 2022: the prolongation of the pandemic, precision, underemployment, low wages for young people, business closures.
But the New Year can also be a year of hope. The conditions for a change of course can be created. The people of Cyprus work hard, they do not give up even in the most difficult circumstances. We have the right to hope again, that is my belief.
With this belief, I wish everyone a happy and creative 2022.
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