IN a conscious effort to raise the country's dampened spirits, President Nicos Anastasiades yesterday pledged Cyprus would get out of the quagmire and once again be a proud nation with dignity.
In a rousing speech before the 15th congress of the ruling Democratic Rally (DISY),
where he was made honorary party president, Anastasiades acknowledged the country was
going through challenging times.
“We are without doubt living through the most difficult period since the 1974
invasion. Never before have we had to deal with so many cumulative challenges and
impasses at the national, political and economic level.
“Never before were the feelings of disappointment, uncertainty and insecurity
experienced by our fellow citizens so strong,” he said.
“I want to tell you something I feel very strongly. We’ll make it, we’ll make it, I
promise you we will make it because I have the same tenacity, the same will and
determination like all our people have,” he added.
The president said a second package of measures to kick-start the moribund economy
would be announced in the coming weeks.
Along with efforts for economic recovery, the government plans on implementing a
series of “bold measures” to modernise the state, eliminate bureaucracy and
corruption, embed meritocracy and the prestige of the institutions and restore trust
in politicians.
“And I want to assure you that we will all feel proud one day, because we will not
give up on principles, we will not abandon values, and we will not betray our
formulated positions. We want a state worthy of the expectations of our citizens, all
of them, without exception, and we will make this a reality because we have the will,
the strength and the faith,” said Anastasiades.
During the party congress, the president handed over the reigns as party leader to his
former number two, Averof Neophytou.
After 37 years in the party and 16 years as its leader, Anastasiades said it was
impossible not to feel moved.
“But it was a conscious decision because I want to serve as president of all
Cypriots,” he added.
DISY deputy Lefteris Christoforou was appointed deputy head of the party, while
Soteris Sampson, Stella Kyriakidou and Giorgos Georgiou were all made vice-presidents.
Josefina Antoniou was named head of the women’s section of the party.
At the time of printing, voting continued yesterday afternoon to elect the 20 members
of the ruling party’s political bureau.
Addressing the congress as new party leader, Neophytou yesterday said that
implementing the loan agreement with the troika was a one-way road involving painful
sacrifices to get Cyprus out of the storm and on to dry land.
“In this country, all of us, some less, others more, postponed critical and necessary
reforms of the state, the banking sector, the pension system, the size of the public service and the health system," he said.
Like Anastasiades, he avoided pointing the finger as to who was responsible for
Cyprus’ current predicament, noting the Cypriot public was well aware of the road
which had led to economic chaos.
“Now is the time for joint efforts of all political forces to create the greatest
possible unity, the search for common objectives and avoid unnecessary conflict,” he
said, adding that it was the job of the committee of inquiry appointed to look into
the causes of the economic catastrophe and to apportion blame.
President Anastasiades handing over the leadership of DISY to Averof Neophytou