ELAM MP Marios Pelekanos, who spoke about his political career, his work in Parliament, his party’s relationship with the government, and his positions on the Cyprus issue.
Mr. Pelekanos has had a long career in public life. In 2017, he was elected as a municipal councilor for Strovolos; he subsequently became chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Land Development Organization, then served as Government Spokesperson, and currently serves as a member of parliament for ELAM.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At the same time, he continues to serve as the party’s press secretary.
Parliamentary Committee Assignments
Mr. Pelekanos serves on the parliamentary committees on Finance, Foreign Affairs, Institutions, and Labor, noting that he would like to serve on more committees so that he can contribute even further.
“We live in a world of specialization. No one can know everything, and everyone brings their own experiences, knowledge, or specific areas of expertise to the table,” he said, explaining that each member of parliament should focus on the areas where they can make a meaningful contribution.
As he explained, he chose the Finance Committee because of his professional background as an economist, with a degree in finance and many years of professional experience in that field.
Referring to the Labor Committee, he noted that this is an area that has long been of concern to him, pointing out that critical issues are expected to arise in the near future, such as pension reform and the second pillar of social security, to which he believes he can make a substantial contribution.
Regarding his participation on the Committee on Institutions, he expressed the view that there is a crisis of confidence in institutions in Cyprus. As he noted, this phenomenon was also reflected in pre-election polls and does not concern just one institution. In fact, he emphasized the need to take specific initiatives to restore citizens’ trust in the state’s institutions.
ELAM’s Relationship with the Government
When asked about ELAM’s relationship with the executive branch—and in light of the President of the Republic’s appointment of party officials to quasi-governmental organizations— Mr. Pelekanos replied that any ELAM official, member, or supporter who believes they can contribute from a specific position has every right to do so.
As he said, the party encourages its officials to participate in government initiatives, whether they involve quasi-governmental organizations or any other institution.
“We want our voters and our members to be involved in what is happening in our country,” he emphasized.
Referring to the appointment of Pavlos Ioannou, he argued that ELAM’s relationship with the current government is the same as it was during the administration of Nicos Anastasiades.
“Since ELAM is not part of the government, it is in the opposition. However, we are a constructive opposition. Where we agree, we have absolutely no problem stating it publicly. However, we also have our differences with the government, starting with the Cyprus issue,” he said.
He added that the party does not engage in nihilistic or dogmatic opposition, but rather acknowledges positive initiatives, submits its own proposals, and, where it disagrees, presents its positions with supporting evidence.
“We do not carry the burdens of old-school party politics”
When asked to comment on the characterization of ELAM as an “anti-establishment” party, Mr. Pelekanos questioned how a party that participates in the country’s democratic system could be described as anti-establishment.
However, he noted that if the term is used to mean that ELAM does not stem from the parties that have governed the Republic of Cyprus since its founding and has not been implicated in scandals or corruption cases, then one may use that description.
“We do not carry the baggage that the traditional parties carry,” he noted.
His personal views on the Cyprus issue
When asked whether he had always opposed the solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, even while serving as Government Spokesperson in the government of Nicos Anastasiades, Mr. Pelekanos replied that those who know him are also aware of his long-standing positions on the Cyprus issue.
As he said, since the time of the Annan Plan, when he was still young, he has not changed his personal views. He clarified, however, that when serving as a government spokesperson, one’s role is not to express personal views, but to convey and represent the decisions and policies of the government one serves.
