The Audit Service's report on the Cyprus Investment Programme demonstrates the serious political responsibilities of the Anastasiades Democratic Union government as it finds, among other things, that, abuse of power, loss of huge revenues and a number of illegalities, as well as the approval of many applications that did not meet the criteria, says Presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis in a written statement.
It is no coincidence that, as a result of what has come to light and what the report confirms, Cyprus is vilified abroad while sliding in international corruption indices, leading the European Union itself to take legal action against Cyprus.
At the same time he turns his fire on his two rival candidates, stressing that the country needs real progressive change and not a change in power by the two candidates-continuing the current government, Averof Neophytou and Nikos Christodoulides.
The statement:
The report of the Audit Office on the Cyprus Investment Programme demonstrates the serious political responsibilities of the Anastasiades Democratic Rally government as it finds, among other things, abuse of power, loss of huge revenues and a number of illegalities, as well as the approval of many applications that did not meet the criteria. The report confirms that the Naturalisation Plan, as implemented over the last decade, has been nothing but a sell-out of passports and, by extension, of Cypriot and European citizenship. It has been a monument to opacity, corruption, conflict of interest and unjust enrichment.
It is no coincidence that, as a result of what has come to light and which the report confirms, Cyprus is being vilified abroad while at the same time falling in international corruption indices, leading the European Union itself to take legal action against us.
The "golden" passport programme not only did not serve as a magnet for healthy investments with added value for our country, as it was widely advertised, but even attracted persons who were under indictment in their countries, internationally wanted or even had a serious criminal record.
This is also why the country needs real progressive change and not a change in power by the two candidates-continuers of the current government, Averof Neophytou and Nikos Christodoulides.
We need a new governance with good administration, with transparency, accountability, meritocracy, efficiency and vision, in the service of citizens, where there will be no interference, corruption and unfair practices.
Cyprus needs a model of economic development based on sustainability and viability, which will attract lasting investments and produce long-term benefits for the many and not for the few.
This is the meaning and message of my candidacy in the Presidential elections. To set the bar high. To take all those initiatives that will restore the credibility of the Republic of Cyprus and make Cyprus again a small but serious partner, with a clear name that will make a constructive contribution to European and global affairs. In conclusion, I would like to make it clear that under our own governance, a thorough investigation of the findings of the report will be launched and accountability will be given at all levels.
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