AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou presented the party’s policy positions and goals to the Central Committee ahead of the 2028 presidential election, setting “progressive change” as a top priority.
At the same time, he launched a scathing attack on the government and DISY, arguing that removing Nicos Christodoulides and the Democratic Rally from power is a prerequisite for “society can breathe again.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
DISY is gearing up for the nomination process… amid internal strife
Here is his speech in its entirety
Today’s Central Committee meeting has been convened to discuss and approve the political framework within which we will operate in the run-up to the February 2028 presidential election. At the same time, however, we cannot overlook the historic milestone of our centennial. Not to get lost in sentimental reflections, but to contemplate the weight of responsibility that this anniversary places on our shoulders.
I am convinced that if these 100 years of history have taught us anything, it is from which side to view the world. From the left, of course, alongside the many, responding clearly to the great dilemmas that have stood the test of time yet remain as relevant as ever:
- With the majority of society or with the small, privileged group of powerful interests?
- With the rebellious youth of Europe or with the cold, political logic of Brussels?
- With international law or with à la carte sensibilities? The genocide in Gaza—and I won’t go into detail—tests our consciences every day….
For 100 years—an entire century—we have chosen to view the world from the right side of history. This brings us to the decisions regarding the 2028 presidential election.
For us, these elections have profound political significance. They are not about personal ambitions or agendas, but about the opportunity to discuss the essence of what defines our reality—as a nation and as citizens.
The stakes are simple and clear: whose interests will the policies that the new government is called upon to implement serve? Those of the many or the few? Those who have no voice and are invisible, or those who hold a privileged position in society and, behind the scenes, determine events and circumstances?
In recent years, these questions have taken on even greater significance because, while the economy is growing and wealth is being generated, inequalities, economic insecurity, and the risk of poverty continue to rise. This is not merely demonstrated by statistics. Most people experience it firsthand every day. They feel it when their wallet is already empty by the second week of the month and they wonder how they’ll make ends meet. They experience it when they cannot meet their family’s basic needs. Young couples face this when they cannot even start a family or afford a place to live. These are the very same problems plaguing Europe, and that is why we are seeing such widespread social unrest.
The dystopian reality we are experiencing—in stark contrast to the prosperity suggested by the statistics—does not occur in a political vacuum. It stems from specific policy choices that were made and have led us to this point. Policies bearing the hallmark of the Democratic Alarm, beginning with the deposit haircut, which N. Anastasiades, thereby reneging on his most fundamental campaign pledge and destroying thousands of households and small-to-medium-sized businesses overnight. Citizens experienced the hardships of the period that followed firsthand, which is why I consider it our duty not to allow political oblivion to prevail.
- For it was during this period that the Cooperative Bank was deliberately and consciously driven into bankruptcy and sold off to save a private bank.
- It was during this period that changes to legislation paved the way for the banks’ arbitrary power to steal people’s property and livelihoods through expedited procedures.
- It was precisely then that European citizenship fell victim to an endless plunder that amassed an incredible fortune of billions in the hands of a handful of people who sent it to the Seychelles and other tax havens, while at the same time Cyprus’s reputation was being dragged through the mud internationally.
- It was then that institutions were dismantled and manipulated to create a climate of obfuscation, cover-ups, and impunity in an orgy of institutional collusion and corruption that dominated our country.
- It was during this period that scandals sprang up like mushrooms in major projects worth hundreds of millions that were left half-finished and unused, because what mattered most to some was not serving the public interest, but the cut they would pocket.
- It was during this period that rights were deliberately and systematically eroded and labor relations were deregulated.
This is the Cyprus we have, unfortunately, been living in for the past few years. And those responsible for this dire situation have a name: it is the Anastasiades–DISY government and the Christodoulides government. For thirteen years now, their policies have been creating and perpetuating the unhealthy conditions our people are experiencing. It is these policies that they wish to continue, which is why they are publicly declaring their mutual support in the second round. In essence, DISY and the Christodoulides government are no different from one another. They are united by the same policies, and the only thing that separates them is personal ambition and expediency. Whether it’s Christodoulides or DISY, in essence, nothing changes.
Cyprus needs change. Progressive change that will serve the vast majority of our people. Change that will restore hope to ordinary people. Change that will rid our country of collusion and corruption. The policies that cause these problems must come to an end. Christodoulides and DISY must step down from power so that society can breathe again.
Some say, “These are good observations, but do you have anything specific to propose?” Our answer is clear: progressive change. Two words, with very specific meaning, that define the political framework we are called upon to decide on today.
Comrades,
Friends of the Social Alliance,
It is easy to go it alone, putting forward positions and proposals that resonate with the sentiments of our narrow party base. The difficult path—and this is what we will take—is to seek alliances in order to forge a broad progressive front aimed at bringing about change.
For AKEL, this is nothing new. Our 100th anniversary is a good occasion to remember that the common good has always been the guiding principle behind our decisions. This is written into our political DNA, so on the path toward progressive change, we view cooperation with other forces as the only way forward.
Such cooperation, however, must be based on a common foundation, which will include shared positions and common goals on a number of key issues. This is our choice, even though we know it does not satisfy the need for sensational headlines: to consistently and seriously prioritize the political framework. This is what we will strive to do in the immediate future by initiating consultations, discussions, and contacts with political and social forces. We believe there is ample scope to achieve this shared understanding, which will also serve as the guarantee for progressive change. And, of course, at some point we will also turn to the discussion of the person who will lead and embody the progressive alliance we are striving to build.
What are the key issues that we, as AKEL, believe can form the framework for progressive change?
- A solution to the Cyprus problem. The country needs a President who is willing, capable, and bold enough to take the necessary steps toward a solution, an end to the Turkish occupation, and the reunification of our country. At this critical juncture in the Cyprus issue, it is not enough to merely declare support for a federal state with political equality or to make general statements in favor of resuming negotiations. What is crucial is to enshrine the entire negotiating acquis, to utilize the Guterres Framework to continue talks on the remaining issues, and, at the same time, to take initiatives and put forward proposals that can make the solution to the Cyprus problem beneficial for all parties involved.
- Strengthening the welfare state and workers’ rights through a social agenda that addresses the major problems plaguing Cypriot society: the cost of living, inequalities, the housing and energy crises, labor deregulation, the massive gaps in social infrastructure for modern families and vulnerable groups, the impoverishment of the elderly, and so much more.
- Defending democracy against fascism and the far right is also a central pillar of progressive change. The possibility that the far-right ELAM party could officially join the country’s government is now a real prospect. Such a development would lead to new manifestations of authoritarianism and violence, threaten the democratic freedoms of our people, target social groups, and intensify nationalism, racism, anti-communism, and the hatred they foster against the Left, while the distortion of our country’s history will be normalized. The progressive forces of this country have a historic duty to work together to isolate the far right.
- The introduction of a new economic model for Cyprus that will guarantee sustainable development and preserve the environment and the country’s national wealth for future generations. Modern, effective, and progressive proposals on issues such as energy, water, waste management, environmental protection, and transportation are key aspects of this new model of sustainable development for our country.
- The protection of strategic infrastructure, vital services—such as the health and education sectors—and the country’s wealth from their massive sell-off to foreign capital and investment funds. The government that will bring about progressive change in 2028 will implement drastic and effective measures to protect our people’s quality of life, public and natural wealth, and the country’s national security.
- The restoration of the rule of law and our institutions, as well as the eradication of institutional collusion, corruption, and meritocracy, are also part of progressive change. Progressive change means a new ethos and style of governance, with independent institutions and effective accountability, with zero tolerance for corruption, with a President and government that confront cronyism rather than foster it.
- Progressive change and governance also require a different understanding of our country’s international role and foreign policy. In place of the current doctrine of subservience to the governments of Israel and the U.S. and of serving their interests, the government of progressive change—while certainly taking into account the fact that we are an EU member state—will pursue a multidimensional foreign policy. A policy that will be grounded in international law and peace, will ensure that Cyprus is not drawn into the militarization and conflicts of the region, and will promote the interests of our people, with the top priority being international support for the struggle to end Turkish occupationoccupation and a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Comrades,
friends of the Social Alliance,
I began my speech by referring to the 100th anniversary of the AKEL Communist Party, and that is how I will conclude. Not only to express our pride in what we have achieved and what we have won for Cyprus and our people. But because the culmination of this long political journey is the awareness of our historical responsibility. AKEL has never shied away from taking on the responsibility of serving Cyprus and our people by making the most of every opportunity that allows for this, including the presidency of the state. This is what it has done in the past, and this is what it will continue to do in the future, starting with the upcoming presidential elections.
This is how we turn history into the future.
This is how we build the future today.
