Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou said on Saturday the party is a strong and effective opposition force as he unveiled its candidates for May’s parliamentary elections. He urged voters to strengthen Akel’s presence in parliament.
Call for stronger parliamentary opposition
Stefanou said a stronger Akel in parliament would strengthen society’s representation and make it harder for policies serving “big interests” at the expense of the many to pass. He said this would increase pressure on the government to account, explain, and correct its actions.
He said the forces expressing workers, small and medium-sized and middle classes, and young people who feel they have no future must be strong in parliament, rather than big financial interests and what he described as an establishment that avoids transparency and fears accountability.
Corruption allegations and government response
Stefanou said “institutional entanglement and corruption are not only not limited, but are being strengthened,” pointing to a recently released video alleging misconduct by the government. He said those in power operate with “the arrogance of the uncontrolled and impunity,” and argued that in this context Akel is the strong and effective opposition force.
He said Akel stands against a government that, in his words, does not place society and its needs first and instead serves powerful interests. He said the party would persist and exert pressure, acting as a bulwark against practices serving business interests behind closed doors, and said the government’s “slow-burn reaction” to a scandal that caused a social outcry “says a lot.”
Policy proposals and election agenda
Stefanou said Akel is entering the elections with concrete proposals on rising prices, housing, and energy and water issues, with the aim of strengthening the social state. He listed measures including reducing VAT on electricity, abolishing double taxation on fuel, and scrapping green taxes.
Far-right warning and criticism of government
Stefanou said the rise of the far right poses a threat to democracy and “fundamental human values.” He called on voters to strengthen Akel as the most consistent opposition force and accused President Nikos Christodoulides’ government of flirting with Elam.
Candidate list
Stefanou said Akel’s ballot includes 56 candidates and includes more young people and women, as well as candidates from diverse backgrounds and professions.
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