How is your election effort moving forward? Are you happy with the contact with the people?
Yes, of course, it's an extremely important experience. I now see Cyprus and our people in a different light: I learned incredible things and now I feel the struggles of our people in much greater depth. Everywhere you see the same demand: change things, we are not satisfied to be constantly behind, change our country, enough with the corruption, we do not deserve to beat on the rocks of partition.
The election race is a difficult, persistent and painful process, especially for a candidate who has no organisational, administrative and other support from a party. How do you live through it all?
I have learned to work with organization and tenacity under any circumstances. My staff is working, the volunteers in the cities know their job and I think the result can be seen all over Cyprus.
For better or worse, polls are the only means we have to get a picture of the electorate's behaviour. Given that you are fighting this battle without party support, how satisfied are you with the poll performance?
I am in fourth place and that is important. I know that many more of my fellow citizens appreciate my effort and it is to them that I am addressing the message: Don't get caught up in the barren debate about the so-called lost vote. In the first round, vote based on who you think is the best candidate. Let's leave the tactical voting to the second round.
I understand that you are realistic enough not to be delusional. What do you want left of this effort? Your positions, perhaps?
I want to express a social current that is tired of the political establishment , that is not reconciled to the idea that "nothing can be done", or that "everything depends on others". This current has a basis and, of course, a future. Look, for example, at the issue of corruption: how can everyone be against it and nothing changes? Something is wrong and something has to change!
In your opinion, what is at stake in the presidential elections?
First of all, it is the Cyprus problem, which is in danger of being divided. We have to get rid of the phobia of the solution and work to bring about a future that benefits everyone.
At the same time, what is at stake is the ability of our political system to follow the surrounding developments and to change, to progress, not to compromise with the idea that we are second-class citizens. I say that we can become a normal EU member state, without barbed wire and dividing lines, a country where universal values and human rights have universal validity! A country where the rule of law will prevail over any other expediency. Let us finally have a Honourable State.
The fight against corruption and the Cyprus problem are at the forefront of your election positions. Do you think that these two issues will determine the vote of a large proportion of citizens?
Sure, both of them. We all see that we are at the worst moment of the Cyprus problem since 1974. Partition cannot be the "solution". I am talking about the two keys that will change the scenery. Natural gas can be a catalyst to change things. Energy reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean can be an incentive that will bring Turkey back to the negotiating table to restart the Cyprus settlement process on the agreed basis (IHL with political equality). Also the use of the Positive Agenda in the Euro-Turkish relationship. I say we can. But a change of faces in the management of the Cyprus problem is required. The three close associates of President Anastasiades, who have been directly involved in the management of the Cyprus problem for the last 9 years - have failed. Those who bear the responsibility for the major deadlocks cannot bring the solutions
On the second issue, that of corruption, I see every day the concern of citizens. And let's not forget that the issue of the economy, which also plagues people, is linked to corruption. The economy cannot get back on its feet if it does not operate within a favoured state. See for example the issue of gold passports and what I propose for a Honest State on achilleas.eu
First, a real "Background" that answers the question "Where did you get it?" and modelled on the Pissarides-Panagiotidis-Syrimi proposal. Second, rules to prevent conflicts of interest by applying the GRECO rules, a code of conduct that binds both the President and his ministers, the resignation of ministers from party offices and transparency in party finances (contributions, management of public money). Third, separation of the powers of the Attorney General: One to be the legal advisor and the other the public prosecutor; and, fourth, radical reform of the system of appointments of independent officials by (a) non-binding consultation with and public hearings before Parliament for officials determined by the Constitution and (b) selection from a list drawn up by a committee of wise men - along the lines of the appointment of the Anti-Corruption Authority - for officials of institutions established by law and for presidents of semi-governmental organisations.
Can you tell us what will determine your decision on the second round? Or do you not intend to take a public position on the second round?
First of all, I remind you that the first round offers freedom of choice, we vote for whomever we want. In the first round we express ourselves with a positive vote. I say we put a cross in the first round to the candidate of our heart. The second round is a dilemma, we vote between two. I have said that I will express my opinion between the first and second round. A leader has to make decisions. But all things in good time.
What will the next election day look like for Achilles? Is it something that will depend on the outcome? Are you interested, for example, in creating a movement to continue the effort you started?
I learned in my life "not to shoot my feet before I ride". My focus is to strengthen the influence of my proposals, to grow my constituency. I am pleased to note that a number of my proposals are being embraced by other candidates and by other centres of power. See for example the proposal to separate the powers of the Attorney General. Post-presidential is not on my priorities at this time. But I see the struggles of our people, I see the dead ends, and I say it's worth staying in our political life. Well, I am here and I will stay!
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