In this article, President Anastasiades analyses, among other things, the government's plans for the next day in relation to the pandemic, public health, the Cyprus problem, the economy, as well as the implementation of the Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow", which is the government's major goal for 2022.
As Nicos Anastasiades states in his article on the pandemic "the Republic of Cyprus, in a coordinated manner and with the help and sacrifices of the overwhelming majority of its citizens, managed to rank among the states that excelled both in successfully dealing with the disease and in managing the economic consequences of the necessary restrictive measures taken".
As noted, "despite the fact that the health crisis affected the entire spectrum of the economy, leading to a sharp decline in production and a significant reduction in overall demand, the Government was able to manage the economic impact of the pandemic in the best and most effective way possible in a very timely manner."
At the same time, it says that "the health sector has been strengthened so that it can, in view of the difficult circumstances of the pandemic, respond to the health needs that have arisen".
Regarding the GESY, it states that it is "the biggest reform since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, providing equal access to all citizens and beneficiaries of the system".
Furthermore, he reiterates his gratitude to the frontline people who struggle day and night to provide treatment and support with courage and strength those of our citizens who need it, and reiterates that "thanks to vaccination we will be able to tackle the pandemic and continue our lives unhindered".
He calls on the world to trust in science and to make use of the possibilities offered so that the pandemic can be a thing of the past as soon as possible and everyday life can return to normal.
In relation to the Cyprus issue, he says that "all efforts and initiatives undertaken by us and during 2021 have run up against Turkish intransigence, which insists on taking unacceptable positions and actions both on land and at sea, actions challenging the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus[/B]", while noting that "such attitudes do not help in the effort to resume the dialogue, on the contrary they widen the gap between the two sides".
"It is amply demonstrated," the article adds, "that Turkey's long-standing objectives are none other than the definitive partition of Cyprus and the creation of a fully controlled, Turkish Cypriot so-called state."
Furthermore, he stresses that the government will continue with determination the effort to end the occupation and reunify our homeland, remaining committed to the UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the European acquis.
Referring to the implementation of the Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow", the President of the Republic said that "it is the Government's major objective for 2022", noting that "through the reforms the life of citizens will be facilitated and adapted to the requirements of the modern era".
"The Government is planning the next day with seriousness and responsibility, creating a better future for future generations. Through the Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow", an amount of 4.4 billion Euros can be raised until 2026. In addition, the Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow" is expected to add an additional 7% to the Gross Domestic Product, while the creation of more than 11 thousand well-paid jobs is foreseen.
Regarding the modernisation of the judicial system, the Civil Service, the Local Government, it says that "the further promotion of digital transformation, the enactment of a series of laws that will ensure transparency, accountability and a more effective fight against corruption are just some of the reforms included in the 'Cyprus - Tomorrow' Plan".
According to President Anastasiades' article, "with the unanimous support of all political forces, the reforms can be implemented in order to make Cyprus a modern, flexible and efficient state".
"Facing things with optimism," he concludes, "by following a rational economic policy and implementing the 'Cyprus Tomorrow Plan' wisely, the Cypriot economy will be able to succeed and maintain economic activity and employment at the high rates that existed before the pandemic."
Source: CNA
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