The new president of Cyprus must learn to put aside ideological differences for the good of the country, as a slew of external crises are expected to continue into 2023, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Saturday in his New Year message – his last as president.
Reflecting on his 10 years in the post, he said that Cyprus has endured and overcome a number of challenges including the financial crisis, the global Covid-19 pandemic, but “the open wound” of the country is the unresolved Cyprus problem.
In particular are the feelings that disturb me addressing you my beloved and beloved fellow citizens.
Today is the last festive profession that I address you under the capacity of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the solemn duty of the country that you have given me twice the honorary order to serve.
A mandate that with the trust, patience and persistence you demonstrated, has allowed my Government to successfully address the crises we were called to manage.
Therefore, and before any other mention, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks, but also the boundless gratitude and love I have for each and every one of you.
Dear and beloved fellow citizens,
In the last decade we have experienced a number of economic and other crises.
By taking power we were faced with the immediate risk of bankruptcy of the state.
We boldly made painful responsibility decisions that led to and with your own sacrifices, to a successful management, allowing the country to exit the memorandum earlier than some predicted, to present growth rates, to recover investment material grade, reduce unemployment, restore worker rights, to reinforces the benefit of vulnerable groups.
The result of sound fiscal policy was the restoration of credibility of the Cyprus economy, public and private investment in projects and projects that have lasted for decades, but most importantly, the state’s ability to counteract successfully confronts both economic and health consequences and impacts from the pandemic that hit humanity in 2020.
I suffice to mention that to support businesses and workers, the Government allocated 3.5 billion from the public funds. euro, while thanks to the superhuman efforts of health workers, to whom I once again express our gratitude, and of course the introduction of the GESY, Cyprus ranks second globally in terms of minimum number of deaths and non- the most effective in dealing with the pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Global Health trial was followed by a Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in beyond the inflation trends caused by the pandemic, we also have the negative economic impact of the sanctions we justify one imposed by the European Union and a bunch of other states against Russia.
The result of this is the energy crisis, but also the consequential impacts on many other sectors of the economy, with estimates predicting recession instead of growth for the time being.
Despite and despite the negative economic consequences being recorded globally, our little country has successfully managed to manage them by recording a growth rate of 6% by 2022, double the EU average. H. E. , while for 2023, which is considered for most countries, a recession time, growth will range to 3-3.5%.
At the same time, the 2023 budget despite increased development spending presents surpluses, while unemployment, which currently stands at 6.8% is expected to fluctuate in the next two years at a full employment rate.
Dear female friends and male friends,
I feel really especially proud because at the end of my term I will deliver a state:
(a) Financially sound and powerful.
(b) Effective in dealing with and protecting the vulnerable, with a minimum income assured minimum wage and pensions above the poverty line, while with heaps of other measures we established a real welfare state .
(c) A state that finally has an inclusive healthcare system for all.
(d) With a restructured governance structure through significant reforms with digital transformation in full swing.
(e) A state that has a new system of awarding justice but also strict mechanisms for combating corruption.
(st) With development projects that regenerated and reformed all the municipalities and communities.
(z) With modern defensive armour, with the highest expenses in recent decades.
(i) With a multilevel and reliable foreign policy, upgrading, but also shielding our state entity, making our Cyprus a pillar of stability and peace for the region and beyond.
Countrymen, countrymen,
Despite being limited to the minimum, it would be an omission not to mention the legacy we leave as a Government and which is none other than the national plan «Cyprus-The Tomorrow», a plan envisaging the implementation of 58 additional reforms and 75 investment actions, with economic impact beyond 4.4 Billions of euros and the consequent creation of thousands of new jobs.
Dear fellow citizens and countrymen,
I would be really happier if with today’s profession I spoke like a President of a united country, without occupation armies, guarantees and anatronistic operation rights.
If I spoke as President of a functioning State and in perfect harmony with European principles and values, which would ensure the human rights of all European citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Where would they give the right to hope for perspective and co-creation.
Where we would not talk about north and south, but about the Federal Republic of Cyprus, with full respect for the rights of each of the communities, based on United Nations Resolutions and Decisions.
Unfortunately, despite the resolve, creative proposals to address the concerns of each of the two communities, efforts failed as a result of Turkish interchange, as recorded at the historic Kran Mon Summit Tana in June and July 2017.
And it is really with great regret that in leaving I record my frustration for not achieving one of the visions that led me to active involvement in the political life of the place.
Countrymen, countrymen,
With the advent of the new year and despite the successes we have recorded, the external crises, but also the waning wound of the Cypriot as a result of Turkish interchange, will be the challenges that the next Government will be called to face hi.
With full modesty and with my long-term presence in the political events of the place, I would again modestly advise my successor to the Presidency, but also the political forces, whose I have never denied patriotism, as superior valid ideological differences, they work together having only the opinion of the maintaining political and economic stability, but also through a sustainable, functional and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem, ensure the survival of Cypriot Greekism, without this and never overlooking the concerns of the Our Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
Dear Consulmen and Consulmen,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart once again for the trust and love you have shown me, wishing everyone health and happiness for each and everyone of you, looking forward to the new year brings in our homeland peace and hope for a certain and secure future for all.
Many happy returns of the day. Thank you.