-
.
- Ελληνικά
Statements by the Minister of Interior Mr.Konstantinos Ioannou
A conference with the participation of the leaders and representatives of the parliamentary parties, on the reform of local self-government, was chaired today by the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of the Minister of Interior Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou. During the meeting, President Christodoulides and Mr. Ioannou briefed the leaders/representatives of the political parties on the progress of the implementation of the reform, assuring the Government's will to proceed with the implementation of the legislation as passed by the House of Representatives.
In his statements after the meeting, the Minister of Interior noted that there are less than 100 days left until the implementation of the reform, which is why it was deemed appropriate to hold today's briefing, also on the basis of the roadmap prepared by the Ministry of Interior. "We are on track. There are some challenges in the coming months and that is why we have asked for the assistance of the Parliament to resolve any problems with determination," Ioannou said.
As the Interior Minister said, the challenges before us relate to finding buildings to house the Provincial Self-Government Organizations, the training of staff and the completion of the "EYAGORAS" system. He added that at the meeting, "we stressed once again that the role of the Ministry of Interior in the reform is supportive through the Central Advisory Committee. We are beside the municipalities and elected officials to support them in their work, whether it concerns the "EYAGORAS" software, the organisational charts or the budgets."
According to the Minister, "the President of the Republic reiterated once again the Government's will to implement the bill as passed and our commitment and determination for the successful implementation of the legislation. We believe that in concert with the Parliament, but also with the Mayors, we will be able to overcome any problems that may arise."
Continuing, the Interior Minister reiterated that it is the common understanding of all that the legislation is not the ideal, the problems have been identified long ago, something that has been said in statements in the Parliament since last June. "We have a road ahead of us, this is what we are called upon to implement and in the process after the elections, any problems, we have the will, we have the willingness, the determination to solve any problems that arise, always in cooperation with Parliament, which at the end of the day is the legislature."
Asked if there is any concern, Ioannou said that in any major reform there is always concern. "Wow, and woe betide us if we weren't worried. So we are concerned that, as I pointed out, our role is mainly supportive, with the exception of licensing where our assistance is great there. That is why we have recruited 87 people so far, we are simplifying the process. But the fact, for example, that in some provinces buildings have not been found yet, that is a concern for us. You understand that the responsibility is not ours and it is not a question of blame. We cannot intervene to find buildings. What we can do is to push the Provisional Councils," the Minister explained.
Finally, Ioannou reiterated that what we are called upon to implement is not the ideal, however "it is certainly better to reform than the current system. We, I repeat and I want to be clear, as the executive, assure you that we will implement the legislation as passed."
(MKE)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
