It is with great emotion that I stand before you today for my official confirmation as the eighth President of the Republic of Cyprus.
With respect to the popular mandate and legitimacy that the Cypriot people gave me in the elections, I declare that I am ready to assume the governance of the country, expressing my full awareness of the need for my full commitment to the State, its institutions, citizens and the wider public interest, based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and the laws in force. I fully understand the heavy historical responsibility which I assume with pride, awe and determination.
I assure you that in the context of my vision for the Cyprus of tomorrow, the role of the House of Representatives as the spokesperson and protector of the public interest will be fully respected and catalytic and as the first of the executive branch I will do my utmost for united cooperation and partnership.
Therefore, I see you all as key institutional collaborators and valuable partners in the common effort to lead Cyprus to the next day, to make it stronger, fairer, safer, more prosperous for all its people, with equality and equity, with non-discriminatory opportunities, caring for the weak and protecting more those in need.
It is important not to forget, but to be aware that after almost 63 years of painful progress since the birth of the state, the national liberation struggle of 1955-1959 that preceded it, the independence and the coming of age of the state, which was unfortunately tragically marked by the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the occupation, the consequences of which our people are still experiencing today, we have travelled a thorny distance as a state. The Cypriot people are therefore multiply tested.
We have faced enormous challenges in the effort to establish and defend our statehood, security, economic development and social well-being with the wound of our great national problem still open and the Cypriot people not enjoying their basic freedoms and human rights in their entirety.
Despite the tragic socio-economic and political consequences of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, our Republic has endured thanks to the resistance, perseverance and resilience shown by its citizens, and the struggles of the political leadership for strong recognition by the international community, which has been strengthened by the accession of Cyprus to the European Union and the inclusion of its economy in the hard European core of the Eurozone.
Madam Speaker of the House of Representatives,
I address you personally, as the second-ranking civil servant of the Republic of Cyprus, to point out that this is the first time that representatives of the post-war generation are at the helm of the state. I have no doubt that you, like me, understand the importance of this statement, not only in terms of symbolism, but first and foremost in terms of substance, since the new generations in particular are looking to us and expecting us to give them a foundation of hope, to give them, in terms of quality of life, the future they deserve, to leave behind the practices and approaches of the past, to lead as positive role models.
The burden is heavy and the responsibility enormous, therefore the work must be collective, with mutual respect, united cooperation and synergies that are always beneficial to the people, bringing about the necessary breakthroughs and reforms in all key areas based on the principle of equality and respect for universal human values and freedoms.
I would like to assure you of my sincere desire for productive cooperation at all levels, both for the proper functioning of the state and for the defence of the interests of our country and our people at the international level.
The House of Representatives is, moreover, a fundamental pillar of our constitution. In addition to its legislative role, it is mandated by the Constitution to exercise control on behalf of the sovereign people. My Government will respectfully discharge all its obligations towards the House, in a spirit of cooperation, with full respect for the principle of separation of powers and the role of each. We will be guided by the public interest, not as an abstract concept but as the very specific and inviolable principle that our hierarchy has in its highest pyramid the promotion and service of the rights of all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. It is from these citizens, irrespective of their ideological, political, social or economic origin, that we derive our power and legitimacy, from whom we must serve and to whom we must always be accountable.
At the same time, for the solid building of national unity, a broad understanding at the political level is necessary within the institutional framework provided by the Constitution of our country.
Between the executive and the legislature, the Presidency of the Republic and the House of Representatives, we must achieve a functional cooperation of added democratic value: For more effective exercise of both the legislative role and parliamentary control and for better governance of the country based on the necessary legislative reforms that will take us to the tomorrow we want.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Allow me, in this formal first before the House of Representatives, to indicate only some of the new practices that as President of the Republic of Cyprus I wish to implement, mainly in relation to cooperation with the House, and which I intend to discuss in detail with the President and the Leaders of the Parliamentary Parties in the coming weeks.
The aim is to jointly achieve the upgrading of institutional cooperation through specific actions for the benefit of the citizen.
- At the same time, I will convene regular meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Leaders of the Parliamentary Parties to exchange views and keep each other informed about the country's political priorities, the progress of implementation and the role of the legislative work.
- Government Ministers will act accordingly, working closely with the Chairmen and members of the respective Parliamentary Committees, so that there is close cooperation in the planning and formulation of the legislative work proposed by the Executive.
- To improve public consultation with stakeholders and interested parties affected by the introduction of new legislative provisions, we are working on ways to link the consultation that takes place during the formulation of bills with the consultation that takes place during their discussion in Parliamentary Committees.
In addition to what I have mentioned above and in order to give a flavour of my presidency, let me also point out something that I consider to be particularly important:
As President of the Republic, I will seek the maximum and continuous scrutiny possible. This is why I intend, in consultation with the Internal Audit Service of the Republic of Cyprus, to establish a model Internal Audit and Ethics Unit within the Presidency as soon as possible.
Of course, the strongest control for the President and the Government should be the Parliamentary Control, which is why the Parliament should ensure that it is continuous and effective. This constant oversight will be of a supportive and corrective nature so that the executive can better fulfil its mission.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The empty seats of the Turkish Cypriot MPs in this Chamber are one of the many testimonies to the mutilation that our state is undergoing. A mutilation that does not allow for the real establishment of conditions of peace and security, nor does it allow for the implementation of the basic freedoms and human rights of all Cypriots.
It is for this reason that I wish to reiterate before you today my assurance that my top priority is the resolution of the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework, so that our country can finally become a reunited, free, modern, European state, the common homeland of prosperity and security for all its legitimate citizens, without any discrimination.
I am, of course, under no illusions. I know that the very same assurance was given by all my predecessors, whom I remember with respect: The first President, Archbishop Makarios, Spyros Kyprianou, George Vassiliou, Glafkos Clerides, Tassos Papadopoulos, Demetris Christofias and the outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades. All of them left the Presidency without achieving the sincere vision of freedom and reunification for our country, even though they wanted it with all their heart.
This is because the demands of the Turkish side were beyond our limits and beyond the limits that democracy and human rights impose on any modern, democratic country and its citizens. Despite the compromises made over the years by our side, even after the historic compromise of the Bi-zonal Bicommunal Federation, Turkish maximalism has not allowed any effort to succeed in a way that safeguards the interests of all the legitimate inhabitants of the country and no one else, without this meaning that our side has never been guilty of any error or oversight.
Last week I had the first informal meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader, to whom I expressed my clear position that the present state of affairs cannot be the solution to the Cyprus problem and I will do everything humanly possible to create the conditions for the resumption of dialogue on the basis of the agreed framework for seeking a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. I have also conveyed to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General my sincere desire for dialogue. In the coming days I will take initiatives, on the basis of the positions I developed during the pre-election period, to break the deadlock, for the EU's prominent involvement at the highest level, always within the framework of the good offices of the UN Secretary General.
From the official rostrum of the House of Representatives, I am also addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots today to send them the message that the solution we are seeking will serve the interests of all Cypriots, because the security and prosperity of all of us is intertwined and interrelated so that we can live peacefully in our common homeland without barbed wire and occupying army, without foreign guarantees. Only in this way can we secure the future of our children without building on sand.
With the solution of the Cyprus problem, the Republic of Cyprus will evolve to become our common home within the great European family. This is the solution we envision. I also address our refugees, our internally displaced persons, our victims, the relatives of our missing persons, all those suffering from the traumas of the invasion and the ongoing occupation, assuring them that they remain at the forefront of our efforts to end the occupation and reunite our homeland.
Of course, I could not fail to address the representatives of the three religious groups present to send a message of respect and appreciation to our compatriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, whose concerns and aspirations are also ours.
Finally, I would like to make special mention of our expatriates, our Diaspora, with whom I have been blessed to work, assuring them of my sincere desire to further strengthen our ties.
Heads of the parliamentary parties,
I intend to convene the National Council soon to share with you my thoughts on modernising and upgrading the House to make it more efficient and effective, with the necessary scientific and technical support, as required by the increased demands of the times and new realities. As required by our sincere will for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and in a European, functional and sustainable manner, with respect to the principles of the EU and the European acquis.
To this end, I look forward to your constructive assistance. I reiterate once again that I see you as institutional partners and valuable partners. The Cyprus problem is an existential issue. It has had a catalytic effect on our parents' past, it touches our present, it determines our children's future. Failure to resolve it is an obstacle to the long-term and sustainable prosperity and security of Cyprus. That is why we must do our utmost to resolve it. We owe it to those who left with the desire to return, we owe it to those who will come and have the right to live in a peaceful, secure and prosperous homeland.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international and global scene is currently dominated by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, a tragic event taking place in the heart of Europe and causing a chain of political, economic and social repercussions. The Republic of Cyprus, experiencing such behaviour itself, has joined forces with those who uphold justice. It has joined its voice with those calling for an end to the occupation of the territories of an independent and sovereign country. For Cyprus, which is itself a victim of illegal invasion and continued occupation, there was and is no dilemma. We stand unreservedly with our partners alongside the suffering people of Ukraine.
Our accession to the European Union defines the orientation of the foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus, and what we seek is for Cyprus to be a reliable and creative partner with a substantial contribution to European affairs. In this context, we will seek to further deepen our relations with all neighbouring countries, while we will invest even more in developing our ties with the United States and, of course, work creatively with key actors in Asia.
The benchmark of our foreign policy is of course our relations with Greece, which remains our closest, natural and selfless ally over time. My intention is to further strengthen Athens-Lekosia relations at all levels, to modernise the modalities of cooperation and mutual support, and to exploit synergies within the EU and with third countries. In a few days I will have the honour of meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, on my first official visit abroad as President of the Republic of Cyprus, to whom I will specifically outline some initial thoughts on addressing common challenges we face, as well as strengthening our cooperation, especially in the field of defence and security.
We are receiving a healthy economy characterised by fiscal discipline, a stable financial system and a series of structural reforms.
We are receiving a healthy economy characterised by fiscal discipline, a stable financial system and a series of structural reforms. We will continue on the same path and build on what has already been achieved, avoiding parochialism and preserving fiscal discipline. Our aim is to improve social cohesion and growth. With a fiscal policy that is fully in line with that of the EU and especially the euro area where strict fiscal rules apply. With a stable financial system, a necessary parameter for a healthy and strong economy that will allow, among other things, a meaningful and targeted social policy for our vulnerable compatriots. The continuation of structural reforms and the full absorption of European funds for the green and digital transition is also a crucial tool for the economy.
Cyprus' energy wealth creates the conditions to strengthen cooperation at the political and economic level. The Republic of Cyprus will develop and implement its energy programme on the basis of its sovereign rights. Our country's energy planning is not directed against anyone, and I am referring specifically to Turkey. Cyprus is recognised internationally as a factor of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It maintains excellent relations with all the countries in the region and in the big picture that we have in mind, Turkey could have a place.
For this to happen, Turkey should also demonstrate the necessary will, respect international law and meet its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus, which are also obligations towards the European Union. Adherence to outdated concepts, based on grand idealism, as well as revisionist and expansionist policies, are a stumbling block not only for Cyprus but also for the wider region and the interests of the EU.
Madam President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For a leader to be able to contend with a prospect of success for the interests of his people, to be as strong as possible, based on his own strengths and facts, his negotiating position, whether in talks to resolve a major problem such as the Cyprus problem, or at the international level to build strong international ties that will bring the country resources and foreign aid, he must first of all have happy citizens.
No battle was won and no struggle was justified while the protagonists were suffering.
I do not like big words. I will neither generalize nor make promises of dubious effect. I will speak simply, honestly and humanly:
I look forward to and will work to make the lives of our fellow human beings better. To make them happier and prouder. Not only because they deserve it but also because this will strengthen our statehood, this will indirectly but decisively strengthen Cyprus in all its great claims.
That is why at the centre of our priorities is the Man and his well-being, and that is what I will ask of the ministers and other state officials who will take up their duties tomorrow.
The Man at the centre of all our policies.
The Man at the centre of all our policies. People and the broader public interest, a key element of a strong and proud Cyprus.
Besides, the effective response to the major challenges of everyday life is the field through which citizens will judge whether political leadership meets the needs of the times, their hopes and expectations.
The Governance Programme that we have formulated together with society includes concrete proposals concerning everyday life, which we are ready to implement and realize, for the short-term relief of our fellow citizens with targeted economic measures, for the resolution of important pending labour issues in order to preserve labour peace, to solve problems in education, to take corrective steps in the health sector always within the framework of the GESY, to revitalize the primary sector in our country, to accelerate the digital transformation and technological upgrading of the Public Service, to promote culture, arts and letters.
The Governance Programme has a five-year horizon and we have specific programming that will lead to the improvement of the quality of life for all citizens, for women and men, for families, for large families and single parents, for the disabled, for workers, for entrepreneurs, for young people, for the elderly, for children, for pupils and for students, who are the leaven of our country's future.
I see from now on the Cyprus I want to reach. I am well aware of the work I would like to leave behind when I, too, complete my term of office.
I will be happy if, through the modernisation of laws, structures and services, we manage to combat corruption, favouritism, inefficiency and the service of citizens based on acquaintances. It does no honour to any of us when someone has to intervene so that a citizen can have the obvious: a much-needed health service, an allowance on time, time off work, a job. The aim is to fix the system, in all key areas, so that in this country no one is in debt to anyone and there are equal opportunities for all.
The aim is also to solve everyday problems that plague thousands of our fellow citizens, from traffic, the absence of modern and environmentally friendly public transport, the lack of services to facilitate parents, working mothers and disabled people. The goal is better public schools, green cities, better quality health services with rehabilitation centres and rehabilitation and mental health centres.
Furthermore, one of the urgent challenges that we are called upon to manage without wasting time and which also adversely affects the daily life of the Cypriot citizen is the migration issue.
We all understand the implications of this complex problem, which is becoming extremely complex because it has at its heart human lives which we have to protect. It is true that significant improvements have been made in recent years to the rigid and labyrinthine asylum and immigration system, which allowed for abuses. However, the problem remains and is disproportionate to the size of Cyprus.
Our efforts will focus on speeding up the processing of asylum applications in order to increase returns. The core of the problem, apart from Turkey's instrumentalisation of human suffering, lies in the impression that Cyprus is an attractive migration destination and in a subsidy policy that requires re-evaluation. We will try to change this, respecting all our international obligations.
As for the Judiciary, I know that significant steps have been taken towards the modernisation of the judiciary, thanks to the cooperation with the other two powers, the Executive and the Legislature. The Cypriot judiciary in 2023 faces a major challenge, which is none other than the implementation of the important structural bills passed in 2022, paving the way for substantial reform that will have a chain of positive effects on Cypriot civic and social life. It is urgent to move from the bills to practice, so that the legal world but primarily the citizen and businesses will gradually perceive the substantial change, especially in the time of adjudication of new cases that will strengthen the rule of law, the deterrence of offences and the application of justice. The long period of adjudication of cases and the long time needed to deliver justice, in addition to the disproportionate cost to the state, constitutes a denial of justice.
We consider the reform of local government, which is on track and the clock is ticking down to its implementation in June 2024, when local government elections will be held, to be equally important. The coming months are crucial for this big step. This is a major breakthrough, which will require will, tireless effort, methodicalness and planning by all those involved.
In some other areas, that of tax reform, pension reform, as well as other issues that need the introduction of new approaches and new procedures, we will immediately proceed with the technical support of experts to make significant changes.
I will repeat this today: I do not have a magic wand for immediate solutions. But I do have the sincere political will, I have the plan and the planning, I have the methodicalness, perseverance and diligence, and I know the modern methods for implementing policies. I am also aware that when the citizens of a state are not prosperous and happy, they can neither claim nor envision a better future.
The only way to be relevant and innovative in an ever-changing world is to evolve faster, better and more effectively.
But above all, as a state and as organisations, as politicians and as professionals, we must learn to evolve and improve.
Mr President,
Madam President,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Both you and I are here because the sovereign Cypriot people have chosen us. Because the citizens trusted us and placed their hopes in us for a better future.
We put ourselves at the people's discretion and we were chosen to do a job and leave with a positive outcome not for our personal lives but for the citizens when the time comes for each of us.
For months I spoke with society, with ordinary citizens all over free Cyprus but also in Karpasia and our Maronite villages.
For months I spoke with society, with ordinary citizens all over free Cyprus but also in Karpasia and our Maronite villages.
For months I spoke with society, with ordinary citizens all over free Cyprus but also in Karpasia and our Maronite villages. I listened to opinions, problems, concerns and aspirations in towns and villages. Before completing my programme I talked in detail with organised groups, bodies, social partners. I submitted specific proposals and on 12 February I received a strong popular mandate to recommend a government with broad social acceptance which, by joining forces and using competent personalities, technocrats and politicians, will meet the expectations of the Cypriot people, will create hope and perspective, will seek the reunification of Cyprus, will rebuild the state, will improve the quality of life of Cypriots in all key areas, while at the same time strengthening the sense of justice, meritocracy and equality.
I can confidently convey to you that all the citizens of Cyprus have a specific expectation from me, my colleagues and all of you: from whatever party we come from, whatever province we come from, whatever age we are, to be united, to be goal-oriented, to be focused on solving the problems of everyday life and on tackling the great national challenges. National unity, yes, is a historical necessity.
We have a responsibility at all times to strengthen our state. For its security. We have a responsibility for a prosperous, for all its citizens, Cyprus. We have a responsibility to create for our young people the future they deserve and to inspire them to become active citizens themselves and to get involved in public life. For this reason, those of us who are involved in politics and public life must, at all times, work with the interests of the people and the country in mind, so that we can repay the trust that the Cypriot citizen has placed in us, not forgetting for a moment the temporary nature of power and the need to produce useful work before the expiry date.
And if the outgoing President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, who took over Cyprus, and we must all acknowledge this, in the midst of the global economic crisis and on the verge of bankruptcy, the great challenge to which he successfully responded was the economic reconstruction of Cyprus, for me today, among other things, the big bet is modernization, transparency, accountability, prosperity, hope and perspective for all citizens.
With respect to our elders but also with sincere love for our country and the younger ones, with faith in our strengths but also in the absolute need for hope and perspective, today, on the official first day of the greatest act in the life of a politician, I assume the responsibility to lead Cyprus to what we all envision:
To a better, brighter, fairer and more hopeful place. To the extent humanly possible, with commitment to duty, with dedication and with full transparency, I assure before the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus that I will proceed with only the public interest, Cyprus, our wonderful country, in mind and I will be President of all Cypriots.
Thank you very much.
(MHAR/MG/EXP)
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