DISY

Our View: Parties, ’ obsession with Elam has not yielded results

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Our View: Parties, ’ obsession with Elam has not yielded results

Elam, an extreme right nationalist party in Cyprus, has become a central focus in the election campaign for the European Parliament. Opinion polls suggest that Elam could finish third in the elections, leading other parties to turn against it due to its links with Greece’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party. Migration has emerged as a major political issue in the campaign, with Elam being known for its xenophobic rhetoric and anti-migrant stance. Other parties, such as Diko and Edek, have directed attacks at Elam in an attempt to prevent losing votes to the far-right party. Despite efforts from various parties to discredit Elam, they have inadvertently given the party free publicity.

The 63 candidates for the EU elections in Cyprus

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The 63 candidates for the EU elections in Cyprus

Voters in Cyprus will be choosing from 63 candidates in the European Parliament elections, with 45 men and 18 women running. Six of these candidates will represent Cyprus in the European Parliament.

Akel and Disy , ‘obsessed with Elam’

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Akel and Disy , ‘obsessed with Elam’

Akel and Disy were involved in a full day of bickering where they compared each other to Elam. The problem with the far-right is not that it steals votes and party members, but that it is a political power outside of and against democracy. Disy is the political force that pioneered and paved the way for the EU, while Akel was opposed to it then and still is today. Elam suggested that Disy and Akel have the same ideas on the Cyprus problem and together support the LGBTQ agenda.

The asset declaration, the prosecutors’ exemption and the provocative 6-4 in the Institutions Committee

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The asset declaration, the prosecutors’ exemption and the provocative 6-4 in the Institutions Committee

The Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General requested to be exempt from a new law requiring asset declarations to be made public. Despite concerns about corruption and the importance of transparency, the proposal barely passed in the Institutions Committee by a vote of 6-4. One MP showed courage by diverging from the party line, preventing a tie in the vote. The demand for exemption was made based on the argument that they are not politically exposed persons and should not be subject to public scrutiny. However, the column questions this reasoning, citing past corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. Members of the Institutions Committee voted in favor of including prosecutors in the list of officials required to submit asset declarations, with some MPs going against their party line. There is a risk that the position may change in the plenary, depending on how certain MPs vote.

The backstage negotiations behind closed party doors

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The backstage negotiations behind closed party doors

The parties in Cyprus are gearing up for the upcoming double election in June, with big parties trying to unite and small parties aiming to weaken them. The focus is on securing seats in the European Parliament, with major parties concentrating on rallying supporters. The newly formed VOLT party is presented as a progressive alternative to AKEL, while ELAM is focused on increasing its numbers to have a regulatory role in politics. The Ecologists have a solid base for a long continuous presence in parliament.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

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Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.

Ignorance about the movement of illicit money

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Ignorance about the movement of illicit money

The Cypriot State lacks absolute control over private funds and assets transferred to the country, which may be linked to illegal activities. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos recently failed to provide clear information on the amounts of liquid assets carried by travelers using private flights to and from Cyprus, despite being questioned by a Member of Parliament. This issue has been highlighted amidst concerns about money laundering in the country.

Election debates fail to spark interest

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Election debates fail to spark interest

– Cyprus voters will be handed six ballot papers to choose mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, village leaders, council members, district council presidents, and members of the European Parliament.
– The number of mayors has been reduced and the number of deputy mayors has been tripled due to a municipal reform.
– Some new municipalities will have a greater population, while others will be the biggest in area.
– Some municipalities and village councils refused to merge due to personal egos.
– There is frustration among voters about the new roles created and candidates not knowing their duties.
– Local issues are not being discussed, and there is a lack of female participation in MEP and mayoral candidates.
– The turnout on election day could be smaller than ever due to growing apathy.

Minister slams , ‘dangerous’ Elam proposal

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Minister slams , ‘dangerous’ Elam proposal

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou criticized a proposal by far-right Elam to give passports to migrants so they would leave the country. He explained that only Cypriot citizens receive passports and giving passports to everyone would make Cyprus an attractive destination for immigrants.

Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

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Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

Fact: Disy MP Averof Neophytou criticized the Christodoulides government for inaction, stating that the state leadership has confined itself to the role of observer and commentator.