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With regard to the public debate on the reform of local government, I would like to note that from the very beginning the problems that I had mentioned, both during my presence before the House of Representatives and in my public statements, had been identified. In particular, I had long ago expressed my concerns about the number of municipalities, but also the fact that the mergers were not based on economic and population data, with the result that today, in some cases, the critical mass that would allow certain municipalities to be as viable as others does not exist.
At the same time, we were aware of the problems created, such as the presence of such a large number of Deputy Mayors, the amount of their salaries, and the dysfunction created by the decision to directly elect the President of the Provincial Self-Government Organizations (PDOs) by the people. In due course we even tried to change some things in relation to the above and in particular we had prepared a proposal to amend the legislation, but there was no support from the political parties.
We want to be honest with the people and honest with the citizens. We recognise that there are problems and that not all citizens will be able to enjoy the benefits of reform to the same extent. As documented by the statements of former Ministers, the end result, while clearly better than the existing model of local government, is not the ideal. However, as the executive, we are ready to implement the legislation and we are committed to the effort to successfully implement the reform.
At the same time, I want to stress that the implementation of the reform is in the hands of the Local Authorities themselves and therefore the Provisional Coordination Councils (PCCs) should put the issue at the top of their priorities. We are concerned, for example, that just four months before the reform, only the Nicosia MAA has found a building to house the Provincial EDA. I therefore call on all those responsible to address the issue and focus their attention on the actions that need to be taken before 1 July to ensure that we have strong organisations that will serve citizens more efficiently.
From our side as the Ministry of Interior, we have a supportive role and we stand by the Municipalities to provide all possible assistance and support their efforts, whether they concern the completion of the "EYAGORAS" System or the preparation of organizational charts, draft budgets, etc. We attach particular importance to the major chapter of the transfer of licensing to the Agencies and, in order to make the transition as smooth as possible, we have taken steps to simplify the licensing procedures, as well as to recruit additional staff to ensure that the Agencies are adequately staffed.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the Government's commitment and determination to work together with the House of Representatives and the municipalities to overcome the obstacles and win the great challenge of implementing the reform of local government for the benefit of society.
(MKY)
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