The debate on the latest budget of the Anastasiades government started today in the plenary session of the Parliament, which will be concluded next Thursday with the voting procedure.
Before the Parliament, the President of the Democratic Party, Marios Karoyan, who spoke, among other things, about the correct passing of the budget, clarifying that it cannot be interpreted as an approval of the economic and fiscal policy of the government.
He noted that the economic and fiscal policy of any government, especially in a presidential system, is neither expressed nor determined by the annual Budget.
In conclusion, he noted that the PPP-Cooperation, regardless of individual disagreements or reservations, "with responsibility and away from populism, will vote for the Budget this year as well."
In detail, Karoyan's speech in the Parliament:
"The top parliamentary process of passing the state budget for 2023 is taking place this year at a time of crucial importance, not only for Cyprus and Europe, but also for the entire humanity.
The worst crisis since World War II is in full swing. No one can predict its end or its consequences.
The transfer of the war to the European continent further worsens its prospects.
Uncertainty now prevails everywhere. Insecurity is spreading across the globe. No one and nowhere can be more certain about the next day on the planet.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In our Cyprus, a full almost a decade of relative stability is coming to an end. With it, the cycle of President Anastasiades' governance of the country is also coming to an end.
Thanks to his efforts, we have left the previous economic crisis behind us.
It was the decade:
- of haircuts on deposits,
- of falling incomes,
- of rising unemployment,
- of social misery,
- of impoverishment of the population,
- the contraction of the purchasing power of households,
- the widening of social imbalances and social exclusions.
- The trimming of the dreams of the new generation.
But it was also a decade of recovery for our economy.
But it would be equally unfair, not to say irresponsible, to ignore the contribution of all those political forces that stood apart from laicism and dogmatism and courageously assumed their responsibilities, supporting policies that were painful but beneficial for our country.
These forces that, in the toxic electoral climate that is taking shape, some people are nowadays comfortable in denigrating them and characterizing them as a one-shot, thinking that this way they will gain temporary electoral impressions.
I oppose them.
Because, as far as we are concerned, we will continue with the same responsibility and moderation in the critical issues of the country.
Because, as far as we are concerned, we will continue with the same responsibility and moderation in the critical issues of the country. We will not hesitate to welcome the positive. We will have no hesitation in criticising the negative, whatever it may be, from whatever government.
But we will always do so in a decent, civilised and constructive manner.
All the more so now that we are facing an extremely difficult year and we have to take seriously into account in our discussions on the Budget the indicators that predict our immediate future.
- First, the positive rate of economic growth, which exceeded the European average
- Second, the achievement of the budgetary targets, which under the circumstances is by no means a simple achievement.
- Thirdly, the gradual but significant reduction in public debt,
- Fourthly, the fact that the Cypriot economy is perhaps the only one in Europe that has succeeded in upgrading itself in recent months, and that it has done so under conditions of dramatically rising inflation and soaring borrowing rates.
Nevertheless, as positive as this account is, it should not hide the fact that many of the economy's disruptive problems were swept under the carpet, while many other critical reforms were left unfulfilled.
If this had not happened, the modernization of the state and public administration would have proceeded at a faster pace, while many of the pathologies of our current social system would not have been perpetuated. Inequalities would have been reduced. The imbalances would have been reduced.
Besides, these imbalances are at the root of the situations that cause the majority of citizens to become disillusioned, disengaged from political events, pessimistic about the ability of political institutions to overcome their crisis.
Dear Colleagues,
For years now our public life has been sliding down the downhill slide of a multiple crisis.
Crisis of representativeness of political formations.
Crisis of credibility of party leaderships.
Crisis of ideological values that have collapsed along with the historical contrasts between the traditional right and the traditional left.
Crisis of trust in a party system that has gradually lost touch with economic and social reality.
Crisis of trust in a party system that has gradually lost touch with economic and social reality.
Which has lost at the same time the ability to control developments, to prepare for the future, to build an effective and just social state.
The economic crisis of recent years has swept away what was left of the capital of citizens' trust.
The economic crisis of recent years has swept away what was left of the capital of citizens' trust.
May this never happen again, which is why we should all remain vigilant, without illusions, without delusions, but with demands from the next government, so that our people can finally feel the vindication they long for on all fronts of our political life, starting with the front of the war against corruption.
Based on the data of the Corruption Perceptions Index survey, Cyprus is in the small group of countries that are in a negative position, along with Syria, Turkey, Liberia, Saint Lucia and Hungary.
In fact, the most worrying fact for Cyprus is not the fact that it is in the bottom ranks of the countries of the European Union that have a negative performance in the war against corruption, but that its negative performance puts it in the same category as Botswana, Belarus, Argentina and Kyrgyzstan.
I am one of those who in no time at all did not succumb to the temptation of populist generalisations about corruption.
I had stressed from the outset that the phenomenon was not a current one. It was old and timeless.
It acted like a carrion eating away at our social fabric.
It damaged our social cohesion,
It negated social justice,
It damaged the international image of our country.
It stands in the way of serious foreign investment and deprives important resources that could be channelled into important sectors such as education, health and social services.
And worst of all: it contributes to the further devaluation of our political life and the erosion of citizens' trust in the political system.
And worst of all: it contributes to the further devaluation of our political life and the erosion of citizens' trust in the political system.
The more populist and frivolous the fight against corruption is treated, the more it will be perpetuated.
The problem lies not only in the ineffective implementation of laws, but also in the absence of a strong political will for a radical change of mindset, deep cuts in state-citizen relations and transparency in relations between the state and economic power.
Everything else is just excuses in sin.
Madam President,
Dear Colleagues,
Among the negative aspects of the outgoing government, I include the issue of divestments.
This is an issue that did not suddenly arise.
But the time has now come to provide concrete answers to specific and simple questions that have remained unanswered for ten years.
Why, for example, has it not been possible to make a proper and objective distinction between strategic defaulters and those who objectively find it difficult to meet their loan obligations?
Why is it that those who are at risk of losing their assets are those who have been unfairly treated by fate due to hardship, with the result that they are at risk of losing their homes?
I think you all understand what I mean.
In any case, the fact that after ten years, the same intentions are still hiding behind the absence of any genuine initiative to find a credible solution, based on international practices and the positive results achieved outside Cyprus, is astonishing.
The permanent confrontation that has been going on for years, after our accession to the Memorandum, until today, does not solve the problem. On the contrary, it perpetuates it.
The PPP-Cooperation, responsibly as always, has tried to be creative and responsible, and this reaffirms what I am saying and emphasising in every way and with all the strength of my soul: that with dialogue and prudence we can achieve the impossible.
In the same way that we managed, through productive discussion with the Association of Credit Acquisition Companies and Credit Facilities Management Companies, to find a compromise solution, similar initiatives could have been taken by the competent state institutions.
We call for this dialogue to continue on a more structured and institutional basis in order to reach an understanding that would aim at protecting the vulnerable groups of the population on the one hand, while at the same time not endangering the stability of the banking system and the Cypriot economy in general.
Madam President,
Dear Colleagues,
Ten years after the Memorandum and despite the risks and challenges that threaten our future, we are given another opportunity - maybe the last one - to change and shape the conditions for the Cyprus of tomorrow.
In the dizzying speed of technological development, it is to be expected that if we do not run at the same speed, developments will overtake us at the speed of light.
This is why the circumstances present us all with a historic opportunity for Cyprus.
Cyprus of a new era where knowledge, information dissemination, technology and innovation will have the first and decisive say.
Yes, we can talk about a new era, which we must not miss
Unless the suicide syndrome takes over this time as well,
Unless the choices of irresponsible and adventurous politicians prevail again,
Unless we face this prospect with myopic obsessions.
Unless we continue to engage in frivolous, aphoristic and divisive politics.
Ladies and gentlemen,
To be honest, if we want to catch up with the new era, there are at least two tasks we have to fulfil:
To change our productive model and to acquire a modern conception of the social organisation of the modern world.
To change our productive model and to acquire a modern conception of the social organisation of the modern world.
This means that we must decide whether we will cut and sew everything to the measures of those who maintain and are maintained by depravity.
Let us decide, at last, whether we are prepared to work by abandoning the old contradictions in order to produce the new compositions on which the future of Cyprus depends.
Let us decide, at last, whether we are prepared to work by abandoning the old contradictions in order to produce the new compositions on which the future of Cyprus depends.
What can be the future of this martyred land in the next 10 or 20 years?
Do we want to move forward or remain anchored in the deadlocks of the past?
Will we move forward in search of the shortest and safest way out of the crisis or will we remain stuck on the beaten track?
The question, therefore, is whether we want to change something in Cyprus or whether everything should remain tailor-made for those who are comfortable with viciousness.
In any case, let us decide what we want.
We do:
- A Cyprus that knows how to respect human rights;
- A Cyprus that guarantees the goods of freedom, health, education, security, beneficial employment;
- A Cyprus of social solidarity?
- A Cyprus with sustainable development and respect for the environment;
- A Cyprus that truly cares for its young people;
- A Cyprus of vision, prosperity and progress;
It is clear that a modern society requires profound changes.
Just as clear is the fact that these breakthroughs are not made with wishful thinking. Neither piecemeal nor with amateurism.
For this to happen, there must be ruptures.
Ruptures that are substantial, without illusions.
To win the bet, we must first plan it and then implement it.
To win the bet, we must first plan it and then implement it.
Above all, we must want to win the bet by promoting those actions and reforms that will give meaning and content to what we all call: a new productive model of development.
The bet on the transformation of our productive model is a necessary precondition for shielding the economy and shaping stable and sustainable growth.
The bet on the transformation of our productive model is a necessary precondition for shielding the economy and shaping stable and sustainable growth.
In the era of the so-called fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence and the production of new forms of wealth and work, we should give priority to investments in dynamic growth sectors such as technology, research and innovation.
In sectors that can provide a competitive advantage and added value to the Cypriot economy.
The New Development Model should be people-centred.
We do not want the state to become entrepreneurial, nor do we want the public sector to become bloated and stifle private initiative.
A strong economy means an integrated model based on balanced growth and a balanced distribution of income.
It means:
- the digital transformation of the state.
- the change of the state's subsidy philosophy,
- the creation of a "New School" - a nursery of a human potential with integrated education and multiple skills;
- the organization of a new Lifelong Learning System, constantly adapting to new market needs;
- the fair and swift administration of justice.
- tackling climate change,
- combating undeclared work,
- simplifying procedures for approving applications for the employment of foreigners,
- improving the quality of life of workers,
- the possibility of affordable housing for all and especially for young couples
- the strengthening and modernisation of the agricultural, vocational education and training system,
- the promotion of radical measures to encourage fertility, support for young mothers and single-parent families.
- Supporting people with disabilities,
- Combating social exclusion,
- Supporting the elderly.
- The strengthening of the General Health Insurance Scheme, with the introduction of new innovative medicines and treatments.
Madam President,
Dear colleagues,
The health and food crisis we are experiencing, as well as climate change, impose the need to revise our objectives to much more ambitious ones.
The realisation of these goals requires the promotion of the necessary reforms.
Now is the time to make the decisions we deserve.
Reforms that will ensure:
- the rationalisation and enhancement of investment activity,
- the creation of new jobs
- the reduction of bureaucracy, which until now has hampered and sometimes prevented important investments,
I express the hope and expectation that we will seize the opportunity before us to move forward, without discounts and compromises, without personal interests and petty party considerations, and take significant steps forward.
Let us finally stop going down the beaten track and fighting trench warfare between the government and the opposition, which makes no sense whatsoever.
Let us stop playing the game of polarization, because this game always ends in destructive divisions.
We always need consensus, not least because without it we will never be able to solve our most serious problem, which is the national one.
We must never forget that what makes our society anxious is the achievement of agreements capable of changing the course of our country and allowing it to join forces.
Dear Colleagues,
As far as our national issue is concerned, no one can be optimistic about the immediate lifting of the deadlock.
Turkey, taking advantage of the international community's lack of real will to create a powerful pressure grid to rein it in and force it to cease acting as an international agitator, continues to threaten, provoke and attempt to enhance its geopolitical power.
What is certain is that the current status quo cannot continue as it is.
As events unfold, it is imperative for us to make an in-depth and realistic assessment of the facts and chart a course that will prevent Ankara from implementing its plans.
We must act proactively.
We must approach the facts before us with rationality and not wishful thinking.
We must approach the facts before us with rationality and not wishful thinking. Without embellishment and without dogmatism. With credibility, consistency and assertive realism.
Our orientation should be firm and without regression.
The solution should be based on the parameters of the United Nations. A solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, one sovereignty, one international personality, one citizenship. And of course, respecting the Community/EU acquis.
Any other discussions or ideas outside these parameters only provide a pretext for the Turkish side to promote the two-state solution. Or confederation.
I am of the opinion that the only way out is our insistence on the appointment of a special representative of the UN Secretary General for the Cyprus problem, who should immediately promote the resumption of the settlement process on the basis of what has been agreed. And the framework of UN Secretary General Guterres, with its positive and negative aspects, is the only starting point.
In addition, we are of the opinion that the proposal as submitted by the Independent President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, which provides for a political decision by the European Council on the appointment of a strong political personality with specific terms of reference, can contribute in this direction.
The aim of this effort will be the emergence and effective promotion of a mutually beneficial state of affairs, which will be beneficial for the security of Europe, will create rational incentives for Turkey on issues that are important for Turkey and can be implemented through the resolution of the Cyprus problem.
This should be pursued by the new government, on the basis of a targeted strategy and a specific implementation plan, in cooperation with the Greek government and our European partners.
There are geopolitical and geostrategic facts that we must exploit for the benefit of our homeland, while strengthening our transnational and regional relations in the region, as well as exploiting the potential through the energy plans of the Republic of Cyprus.
There are geopolitical and geostrategic facts that we must exploit for the benefit of our homeland, while at the same time strengthening our transnational and regional relations in the region, as well as exploiting the potential through the energy plans of the Republic of Cyprus.
This is the only way to avoid the final partition of Cyprus, before "crossing the Rubicon" and leading to irreversible and dangerous situations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In about two months, citizens will be called to the polls to choose the leader who will lead them into the new era.
It is unthinkable that everyone should issue their own bulletins in view of the adverse circumstances that are being created and that no one should take care to create the conditions that would allow national unity to act as a lifeboat.
Many of us already in 2013, the PPP-Cooperation from the first day of its foundation proclaimed in all tones the necessity of national understanding, of political stability, of social consensus, of new ideological compositions.
The necessity, that is, of the collective will to forge a strong national unity.
Unfortunately, the efforts to achieve national understanding, with the participation of all parties, fell on deaf ears.
Not through any fault of our own.
We persevered to the end, but other mindsets prevailed once again.
For us, the 2023 presidential elections are an intermediate but decisive milestone.
If in the face of the dangers, threats, problems and extraordinary circumstances facing our country and our society we do NOT manage to rise to the occasion, no matter how harsh what I am about to say may sound, this future will not be bright for our country.
Despite any disappointment, this process is for US the great opportunity offered to all for a new beginning.
For a new start.
The acceptance by Nikos Christodoulides of the idea of forming a government of national unity was a catalyst for us to support his candidacy. It allows all of us to focus on the implementation of a plan of national actions, with priorities.
- Addressing Turkey's challenges and achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem within the UN parameters.
- Managing the economy as a national issue.
- Strengthening the rule of law.
- The exploitation of our natural wealth and the geostrategic advantages of our country,
- The reduction of bureaucracy,
- The strengthening of the welfare state,
- Dealing with immigration,
- The creation of prospects for our young people,
- The transition to the era of digital transformation and the practical implementation of the European Green Deal.
I will repeat from this platform
That it is my firm conviction that none of us alone, however credible, can shoulder the responsibility for the country's transition to a new, very uncertain era, with major national and social challenges.
This transition will not be achieved either by self-appointed messiahs or by machine gods.
It can be achieved on one condition:
That the day after the elections our society remains united, making it possible to achieve prosperity and self-confidence.
The elections will be over. And for us there can and should be no winners and losers.
There should be only one winner: our Cyprus and its future.
Madam President,
Dear Colleagues,
The passing of the Budget can rightly not be interpreted as an approval of the economic and fiscal policy of the government.
Besides, the economic and fiscal policy of any government, especially in a presidential system, is neither expressed nor determined by the annual Budget.
The budget is essentially a record of the expenditure the government is authorized to incur and the revenue it budgets to have in the next fiscal year.
The PPP-Collaboration, irrespective of individual disagreements or reservations, will responsibly and far from populism vote for the budget again this year.
Thank you very much."
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