Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Akel MP Irene Charalambides announced her collaboration with the Alma movement, led by former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, saying their shared goal is to combat corruption and restore trust in institutions.
Announcement and rationale
Speaking at a press conference, Charalambides said she had cooperated with Michaelides for a long time on accountability in combatting corruption. She said Alma stands for dignity, accountability, reform and development, describing these as preconditions for the country “to stand tall once again.”
Reforms and institutional priorities
Charalambides said their common aim was to combat corruption and restore faith in institutions, adding that achieving this required decisive reforms, including reforms that restrict the authority of the executive power as it is implemented today. She said she was referring to the appointments of state officers, particularly that of the attorney-general.
She listed priorities including combatting corruption, constitutional and other reforms, separating authorities, strengthening justice, equality, dignity of the people and restoring the sense of justice.
Accountability and the cost of corruption
Charalambides said it was “unthinkable” in a modern society for officers to be unaccountable and have absolute and unchecked powers, arguing that this can make the functioning of the state dependent on moral or political relationships, or collusion, between government or political party factors, or on political exchanges.
She said corruption is not only a blow to dignity and equality but also has a cost, describing it as “an additional tax” imposed on people so that the corrupt can benefit.
Closing remarks
Charalambides concluded by saying she was “not a person of promises, but of action”.
What reforms do you think are most important to strengthen accountability and combat corruption?