Cypriot MEP Demetris Papadakis on Monday introduced his new political party, named “Aichmi” – the Democratic Movement for Change, during a public gathering he organised.
The former Edek MP Papadakis highlighted the need for change in the political system, citing deep-seated issues of credibility, transparency and accountability.
According to Papadakis, the party aims to function as an open platform for bidirectional communication and meaningful participation of every citizen in Cyprus.
He also underlined the party’s intent to give a voice and platform to the silent majority, “the one expressing dissatisfaction at their lack of representation and consideration in decision-making processes”.
During the gathering, a provisional seven-member board was elected, comprising Leonidas Alexandrou, Panayiotis Evangelides, Christoulla Kyriakou, Katerina Papadamanthous, Stamοs Papavasileiou, Tonia Stavrinou, and Stefanos Hadjikofinas. The official presentation of the party is scheduled for a later stage.
“The pinnacle of our problems remains our national issue, which is on the brink of a 50-year deadlock,” Papadakis said about the Cyprus problem. “The current conditions perpetuate our insecurity and pessimism for a resolution.”
The MEP also touched on Cyprus’ economic instability and the ineffectiveness of the current political system.
“The local economy caters to the interests of a few at the expense of the many,” he said. “The cost of living has skyrocketed to levels unmanageable for wages and pensions. Especially housing costs, which are not just unbearable but unattainable, particularly for the younger generation.
“Entanglement, corruption, impunity and favouritism are the four cancers that have led society to discredit politics, politicians and institutions. A discredit that unfortunately is only expressed through silence and abstention.
“Institutions are being consistently undermined and weakened and democracy is seriously ailing. The primary culprit for all these symptoms of decline is the political system. Corrupted and incapable of understanding the needs of the times, it has reached its limits.”
Papadakis concluded by calling upon people attending the gathering to join forces and engage in constructive dialogue “to democratically overturn stagnation and complacency, seeking a brighter future and instilling hope.”
