New president Nikos Anastasiades celebrates his victory in Nicosia on February 24

Now is the time for action

Voted in by a clear majority on February 24, the new Cypriot president, conservative Nikos Anastasiades, faces the main task of restoring the island’s economic fortunes. And he has no time to lose, warns O Phileleftheros.

Published on 25 February 2013 at 15:47
New president Nikos Anastasiades celebrates his victory in Nicosia on February 24

The new president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades, has been elected with a clear mandate. The instructions are simple: he must establish a framework to overcome the crisis. This is a major challenge both for the president and for our country.

It is clear that given the difficult context, there can be no room for party political aspirations in the effort that is required. Cyprus cannot allow itself the luxury of endless debate and soul searching that would delay the return of growth. The country needs decisions, solutions, and effective politics.

Cyprus also has the problem of the occupation of the north of the island, which has been controlled by Turkey since 1974]. Managing the problem of the division of our country in the current context will be more difficult. Some will attempt to take advantage of the economic crisis to gain leverage to obtain concessions. He must be ready to respond to this challenge.

In electing Nikos Anastasiadis, our citizens have chosen a new path. The difficult times faced by Cyprus will require consensus and unity. Everyone will be judged by his decisions, his attitudes and his general behaviour.

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