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- Ελληνικά
Fellow countrymen,
In the first New Year's message that I address in my capacity as President of the Republic of Cyprus, I strongly feel the debt and the great responsibility towards the country and the people, whom I deeply respect.
The dawn of 2024 finds our country confronted with many challenges, with the need to solve our national problem, the end of the occupation, the liberation and reunification of our country at the top.
The new year marks the 50th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and the continued occupation of part of our country, 50 years of an unacceptable and unsustainable status quo.
The new year marks the completion of 50 years of the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation of part of our country, 50 years of an unacceptable and unsustainable status quo. A tragic reality with painful consequences that persist as a result of blatant illegality: our displaced and suffering, our heroic internees, the families of the fallen, our missing persons and their relatives. On behalf of the State, I mentally shake everyone's hand with respect and appreciation and promise that I will never tire of working for justice.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the first day I took office, following your decision, I have been working to create conditions that will lead to the resumption of negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework, a solution that is compatible with European principles and values. The appointment of an envoy of the UN Secretary-General, as a result of our own initiatives and persistent efforts, is an important first step. I do not deny, of course, that the road is long and the difficulties are a given. Nevertheless, it will soon become clear whether we are just before the starting point of a new effort, for which I declare myself fully prepared to work to free our country from the evils of occupation. This is the clear message I want to convey to everyone, both in Cyprus and abroad. To all legal citizens of our country: Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins. I am particularly addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, whom I would like to assure, once again, that our efforts are also in their interests, as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, as European citizens. Let us work together so that 2024 will be a historic milestone of reunification and peace, a European state free of occupying troops and foreign guarantees.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The ongoing dramatic events in our neighbourhood confirm how precarious and fragile is the apparent peace in conflicts that have been pending for years.
The Republic of Cyprus, as the EU Member State neighbouring the region and maintaining excellent relations with all neighbouring States, has, from the very first moment, been active in helping to find a political solution to the crisis, while at the same time taking the initiative to provide uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to those who need it. Cyprus has also contributed as a transit point primarily for the safe removal of foreign nationals from the war-torn region, confirming in practice that our country is a pillar of security and stability in the wider region.
Friends,
Taking over the responsibility of governing the country some ten months ago, I took over the reins of State, fully aware of the challenges we face. From the outset, I have prioritized security, economic responsibility, growth, a holistic approach to migration and the implementation of bold reforms that will improve the daily lives of all citizens, solving chronic problems.
In these first ten months, we have launched solutions to a number of difficult issues in order to improve the quality of life of citizens and support households and businesses.
In these first ten months, we have launched solutions to a number of difficult issues in order to improve the quality of life of citizens and support households and businesses. Today is not the day to take stock. I will limit myself to mentioning that in a very short period of time we have tackled complex and difficult problems that have been pending for years.
I mention very briefly.000 workers in the private and public sector, [*]the new system of student evaluation, [*]the reconstruction and repair of all apartment buildings in refugee neighbourhoods through the "BuildingZO" programme, at a total cost of 110 million euros, [*]the single housing policy, one of the largest in intensity and scope policies in our country, to ensure affordable housing by buying or renting, [*]the package of measures to support households from the consequences of poverty, totalling 196 million euro, [*]the adoption of zero and/or reduced VAT on food and basic necessities, [*]the establishment and operation of the Advisory Council for appointments to the Boards of Directors of the Semi-governmental Organisations through a transparent and merit-based procedure. [/LIST]
With regard to the Migration issue, allow me to make specific reference to it, because I am well aware of your legitimate concerns and worries. Our policies have sharply reduced the number of asylum seekers, the procedures for examining applications have been expedited and, most importantly, there are more non-beneficiaries leaving Cyprus than coming to our country. Through a holistic approach, we are laying the foundations so that our country is no longer considered an attractive destination. Our approach is clear and unambiguous: those who enjoy the hospitality of our country are those who deserve it as long as they respect the laws of the State and respect their obligations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I will repeat what I said during the election campaign. We do not have a magic wand. There are no easy solutions. But we do have a concrete plan and design to address all the major problems of Cypriot society and the necessary political will without any weights and anything that pulls us back, Legally and with Determination. We have a plan and design which we are implementing and which is already bringing positive results in all policy areas.
We are working on solutions to improve the quality of life of every Cypriot citizen and to make their everyday life more qualitative and comfortable, including all our fellow citizens who belong to vulnerable groups: disabled people, children, large families, single parents, elderly people who need our extra support and an inclusive society with respect and empathy. We are working for the upgrading of health services and equal access, the improvement of our education system and, more broadly, education and culture, which are crucial sectors for our children, the improvement of working conditions for mothers, the alleviation of traffic congestion in cities and the modernization of public transport, green growth, the digital transformation of our country and much more that will enhance the competitiveness of our country, lead to the attraction of quality investments and the development of the economy. Above all, however, they will improve our quality of life, make our daily lives easier, and contribute to happier citizens and therefore a healthier society.
Together with all the members of the Cabinet of Ministers, through a people-centred approach, we place at the heart of our policies the improvement of services to citizens and the promotion of measures that improve their daily lives.
Together with all the members of the Cabinet of Ministers, through a people-centred approach, we place at the heart of our policies the improvement of services to citizens and the promotion of measures that improve their daily lives: To have faster processing of applications, faster response, more direct service, less bureaucracy, targeted social benefits.
Friends,
The goal of achieving what I have mentioned above requires cooperation and collegiality, values that I also stand for on a personal level. In practice, I seek cooperation with all institutions, political forces and organised groups. I accept and listen carefully to criticism, and always seek dialogue and consensus. It was precisely through this sincere willingness to cooperate with all political forces that a few days ago we achieved a broad political consensus for the adoption of the first budget of our administration.
The upgrading of the Cypriot economy by the rating agencies and the recent approval of the state budget, which is growth and surplus, constitute a well-structured framework, a positive starting point in the great effort that we have started to create Hope and Perspective for all our people, and this satisfies me and convinces me to work harder so that this course remains upwardly stable. Within this framework, in addition to our governance programme, which is our Social Contract with the Cypriot people, the Recovery and Resilience Plan is a key pillar of our efforts. We have recently fulfilled important preconditions that will allow our country to secure the next two financing operations, totalling more than EUR 152 million. It is only through responsible fiscal policy and continued bold reforms that we will make our economy strong and resilient, and thus be able to effectively address serious challenges, building an effective state, with efficient services and credible institutions, allowing no one to tarnish the name and credibility of our country. On corruption issues, we are determined that there will be full investigation and punishment of those found to be involved, so as to remove any shadow that tarnishes our country. On this particular issue, I want to be unequivocal: no one's interests are above the interests of the country and its citizens. No tolerance for any illegality or abuse of power.
Fellow countrymen and women,
2024 will mark twenty years since the Republic of Cyprus joined the great European family. This has undoubtedly been the greatest and most important development since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. As an experienced EU Member State, with a voice and a role in all decisions, knowing first-hand how the EU works and how to assert our country's interests more effectively, we are laying the foundations for a more promising future for our country, for the new generation of our country, for our children. The exceptional human potential of our country allows us to look to tomorrow with more optimism and to clearly look forward to better days. I believe in our strengths. I believe in Cyprus' potential and I am confident that the path we have charted, through the daily small changes that will bring big ones, will lead to progress, to prosperity, to prosperity, to see Cyprus changing, modernizing, greening, being a citizen and business friendly environment for work and life. To bequeath to future generations a safe and prosperous homeland.
A homeland, I want to repeat, without barbed wire and armies of occupation. A homeland free, reunited, and above all, proud.
Dear friends,
Last February you trusted me with your vote, giving me the popular mandate to lead our country for the next 5 years. My governance programme is my Social Contract with you, and with Vision, Methodology, Seamless Political Will and Determination, I will continue to work towards its implementation, to meet your expectations and have the Cyprus we deserve.
On the same path of responsibility and honesty, I will continue to work tirelessly to make our country more modern, prosperous for the many and not for the few, through the implementation of policies that lay solid foundations for a healthy future for us and our children.
This effort is Common, Collective, with People at the heart of our policies.
This effort is Common, Collective, with People at the heart of our policies. I have no doubt. I am confident that we can take our country forward to where we deserve to be.
So let us look to the Future with Optimism, Hope and Perspective.
Welcome to 2024.
Happy and Blessed New Year to all!
Happy Birthday!
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Note.For the video message of the President of the Republic click here.
(PM/NG/ASP/AF)
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