Ahead of the May 24 parliamentary elections, political parties continued on Sunday their campaigns, with Democratic Rally (DISY) focusing on tourism, which it described as ‘the backbone of the Cypriot economy’, while also issuing Mother’s Day messages. The Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), the Democratic Party (DIKO) and Democratic Alignment (DIPA) addressed issues related to social policy, the economy and family support, while the Cyprus Greens stressed the need for ‘clean and green’ politics ahead of the electoral contest.
In a press release issued on Sunday, DISY said tourism requires strategic planning, resilience to crises and continuous upgrading of the tourism product, outlining priorities including extending the tourism season to nine months, strengthening air connectivity and supporting investment and competitiveness.
According to DISY, citizens ‘hear generalities, contradictions and promises without a comprehensive plan’ from other parties, adding that ‘tourism is not suitable for experiments’. The party also referred to the 2013-2023 period, noting that during the DISY administration the Deputy Ministry of Tourism was established, the first National Tourism Strategy was implemented and tourist arrivals rose from 2.4 million in 2013 to nearly 4 million in 2019.
Meanwhile, the party expressed appreciation for mothers and their contribution to family, society and future generations, saying Mother’s Day highlights the multidimensional role of mothers in both family life and economic and social development through their active participation in work and public life.
On his part, AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou said the party is fighting to keep alive the hope for the reunification and future of Cyprus and for a better life for society. Speaking at a Mother’s Day event organised by AKEL Aradippou at the Cypriot Mother Monument, Stefanou said support for women and motherhood must be reflected through policies rather than ‘grand words or impressive statements’.
He added that many young couples face anxiety and economic pressure due to the rising cost of living and housing, stressing that ‘the right to family cannot be considered a luxury’.
Furthermore, AKEL highlighted the need for rational management of natural resources, waste and energy in the framework of a nationwide clean-up campaign, with Stefanou describing environmental protection as critical for quality of life and the future of society. He said climate change and the environmental crisis directly affect Cyprus and underlined the need for rational resource and energy management.
Elsewhere, AKEL accused DISY and DIKO of ‘rolling out the red carpet for ELAM and fascism’ following statements by MPs from the two parties in interviews published in Kathimerini newspaper on Sunday. AKEL spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas said DISY President Annita Demetriou and DIKO MP Chrysis Pantelides were ‘clearly opening the door to official cooperation with ELAM for the Presidency of the House of Representatives’, claiming the ‘obvious final goal’ was the 2028 presidential elections.
For its part, DIKO MEP and S and D member Costas Mavrides referred to the need to strengthen defence cooperation between Greece and Cyprus within the framework of European defence during a party event titled ‘Defence: Challenges and Prospects’ on Saturday.
According to a DIKO statement, Mavrides described the current period as a ‘unique opportunity’ to establish a permanent presence of European forces in the Republic of Cyprus, stressing the need for Greece-Cyprus cooperation to be placed within a stable institutional framework to strengthen deterrence and security.
Meanwhile, DIKO reaffirmed its support for policies aimed at supporting families, women and motherhood, describing Mother’s Day as ‘a day of honour, recognition and deep gratitude’ towards mothers, whom it called the core of family and society.
In addition, DIPA welcomed Fitch Ratings’ decision to maintain Cyprus’ economy at A- with a positive outlook, saying the development strengthens the country’s credibility and stability amid international uncertainty and economic pressures. The party said fiscal discipline and targeted policies help safeguard the economy and strengthen confidence in Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Greens (Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation) President Stavros Papadouris said ‘politics must be clean, honest and green’ during the Movement’s final nationwide campaign event on Sunday at the Pallas Theatre, ahead of the May 24 parliamentary elections.
Papadouris described the Movement as the ‘only credible choice’ against ‘corruption, lack of meritocracy and policies leading to dead ends’, adding that it represents citizens ‘tired of grand words and empty declarations’. He said political ecology is not ‘a temporary choice’, but a longstanding collective effort that for decades has ‘warned, put forward proposals and campaigned’.