In a statement regarding the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority concerning a “mafia state” as well as the remarks made by Nicos Anastasiades at the press conference, responds to criticism from AKEL, sharply criticizing AKEL’s stance toward the institutions and its past.

Read more: “Everyone is lying except him”: AKEL’s initial reaction to Anastasiades’ press conference

At the same time, he is calling for the immediate appointment of independent criminal investigators to look into the Anti-Corruption Authority’s findings, making it clear that no cover-up will be tolerated.

The statement reads as follows:

From the very beginning, the Democratic Alarm has expressed its unwavering position in favor of a full investigation into the possible offenses identified in the Anti-Corruption Authority’s findings. No cover-up for anyone. We have never distinguished between “our own” and others.

We call on the Cabinet to proceed with the appointment of independent criminal investigators without any further delay. With a clear timeline for a swift and thorough investigation.

We respect the findings, the institutions, the principles of justice, and the rule of law, as well as every citizen’s right to a defense.

AKEL is unable to comprehend our principled stance. This is because their own checkered history reveals a complete disregard for findings when it comes to “their own people,” as well as a complete disregard for court rulings.

No matter how hard AKEL tries to exonerate itself for its disastrous five-year term, what has been etched into the collective memory of our fellow citizens is this: that the one time they were in power, they ruined tens of thousands of families and shut down thousands of businesses. And that it was the Democratic Rally that pulled society and the economy out of that impasse.

What AKEL has taught us is a disregard for the findings and a lack of restraint regarding the destruction it caused.

It has no right to cast stones without offering even a simple apology for the suffering it caused and without showing remorse for the findings it denounced.