AKEL on the new Cyprus government pandemic measures

For a year now, Cypriot society has shown enormous responsibility with regards the necessary restrictive measures that were taken against the pandemic. It has showed patience even towards the disproportionate, crude and contradictory measures implemented by the government in numerous cases. In the same way, AKEL too, despite its specific disagreements and objections, supported the effort and called on the people to respect the measures, because we primarily prioritize human life and public health.
However, it is clear, after today’s announcements, that the government is abusing the people’s responsible stance and patience and that of the political forces. The new measures are not based on scientific advice, but on serving government policy decisions.
Any restrictions on rights and freedoms, in such circumstances, are only permitted provided that their necessity and proportionality are substantiated. This is what is required by the Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN and the Council of Europe. However, the DISY government insists on implementing disproportionate and prolonged restrictions on individual rights and democratic freedoms, persisting on applying measures that do not help stem the pandemic, but only dampen people’s resilience. The ongoing total ban on demonstrations, despite the suggestions of the scientific team (advising the government), is a characteristic example confirming that the government is using the pandemic as a pretext.
From the very beginning AKEL had called on the government to use its powers sparingly when issuing decrees and with adherence to the principle of proportionality, which is obviously not the case. AKEL makes it clear to the government that we are already considering ways of exercising institutional scrutiny that would put a stop to the government’s superpowers in relation to some of the decrees issued on the pandemic. At the same time, AKEL calls on the government to act decisively on the key issue of vaccinations, which are proceeding at a very slow pace. Despite the given commitments that exist towards the EU, we have every right as a country to turn to other sources and demand alternative solutions for the protection of the Cypriot people.