Compatriots,
On the occasion of the New Year, I would like to wish to you all personal health and prosperity!
It is widely admitted that 2017 has been a productive year for our country.
A year of stability and development, a year during which, through cooperation and joined efforts, we were able to lay down even more stable foundations for the creation of the Cyprus we all wish for. A modern country corresponding to the people’s aspirations and representing a model for the region and a model for the peaceful coexistence on the European continent.
Being fully aware of the realities, problems and challenges we shall have to face, I have no doubt that each and every one of us reasonably feel that hope is rising in our country.
In 2017 we managed altogether, through collective effort and above all with the cooperation of the Cypriot people, to overcome to a great extent the consequences of the unprecedented financial crisis we were called upon to face, and, at the same time, lay down the foundations for a stable and sustainable development which is based on real facts and has started to reflect itself in everyday life and in the quality of life of the citizens.
It is worth emphasizing the significant reduction of unemployment but also the state’s ability to refund taxes and other related charges to the people.
With the New Year we shall bring back the Cost of Living Allowance which shall from now on be intertwined with the course of the economy, while we have abolished the Special Contribution on the public and private sector salaries.
At the same time, we put on track some reforms of significant importance which are essential for our country’s modernisation.
In the health sector, we initiated the National Health System aiming the equitable and qualitative health care for the people as a whole.
In the education sector, after many years of endless discussions, we proceeded with the reform of the teachers’ recruitment system and, for the first time, the implementation of a merit-based evaluation system, which shall significantly improve the level of education.
At the same time, responding to the need for modernisation of the National Guard, we put forward the restructuring and strengthening of its efficiency, making it a modern, semi-professional army, and we reduced military service to 14 months.
All of what we have achieved so far determine the steps to be followed.
Among other things, we shall face the significant challenges for the improvement of the public sector, the modernization of the local administrations and make institutions even more effective.
Compatriots,
The year 2018 is a milestone with regard to our country’s energy plans.
Right now a new drilling is under way, while, in the immediate future, the realization of our plans will allow us to proceed to a full exploitation of our energy resources.
Within the framework of a multidimensional foreign policy we shall continue to support our alliances both on regional and international level, thus enhancing our role as a provider of security and stability in the region.
Compatriots,
With respect to the Cyprus problem, after hard and methodic work in the last few years, we managed to come closer than ever to the aim of ending the occupation and reuniting our country.
For the first time, Turkey is held to account in discussions in the presence of the European Union on matters of security, guaranties and the withdrawal of the occupation forces.
Unfortunately, the Turkish stance in the final stage of the effort did not allow the realization of our expectations.
Despite the disappointment caused yet again due to Turkey’s intransigence, our unnegotiable aim remains a solution which actually reunites our country transforming it into a modern, European and absolutely independent state corresponding to the expectations of its citizens.
Compatriots,
Today, leaning upon our strongly developing economy, our reliable international presence and the decisive reforms we implement day by day, we face the future with optimism. We have laid down the foundations for the future we envisage and are ready to take the next big steps.
We are aware of the challenges and we know how to face them.
What we need more than anything is to continue with the realization of the plans which have led to tangible results.
In order to achieve our goals and face the challenges ahead, it is more than ever necessary to have cooperation and consent, with absolute respect to any different approaches and views.
Acknowledging the sincere interest of all political forces in the good of our country, I am optimistic that after the presidential elections a productive period shall follow for the benefit of our people as a whole.
I wish to all of you Many Happy Returns and a Happy New Year in a free and prosperous homeland.”