The continuation of the “excellent” cooperation between the executive and legislative branches was discussed on Monday afternoon at the Presidential Palace by President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, during their first official meeting following Demetriou’s re-election.
Welcoming Demetriou, President Christodoulides congratulated her on her re-election and expressed both his hope and confidence that the ‘excellent cooperation between the executive and legislative branches’ would continue.
He added that ‘the challenges and problems are common. Therefore, cooperation will continue, always for the benefit of the citizens.’
Demetriou said that cooperation between the two branches had indeed been exemplary and that it was imperative for it to continue, noting that the interests of citizens and country stand above all else.
She added that there are major challenges, reforms, and pending bills, assuring that she would do everything within her power, representing all her colleagues and ensuring functionality at the institutional level as well.
In statements following the meeting and responding to journalists’ questions, Demetriou said that during the meeting, ‘we highlighted, discussed, and emphasised the institutional cooperation that we had previously and that we must continue between the executive and legislative branches.’
At the same time, Demetriou said that the President also briefed her about his meeting earlier with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín.
‘The President also briefed me on the Cyprus issue and the various developments,” she noted.
“We remain committed to this common goal, which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland. For us, this is the highest priority, and we will remain steadfast within this framework,’ she pointed out.
Asked to describe cooperation between the Presidency and Parliament from 2023 to the present, Demetriou said that ‘it is an institutional necessity,’ noting that it has functioned properly to date, enabling the passage of legislation that benefits all citizens.
‘This is exactly how it must continue,’ she said.
Responding to a question about upcoming government bills expected to be discussed in Parliament, Demetriou referred to pension reform and other pending legislation.
After the membership and presidencies of parliamentary committees are set, she said, “MPs will immediately begin their work, as required, because we cannot wait. There are many issues, and they are critical.’
Regarding the threats against her life, she said that she briefly discussed the matter with the President of the Republic and noted that she had been informed on the matter by the police but did not wish to go into detail about the matter.
Asked whether she feels safe, she replied ‘of course I feel safe, and every politician should feel safe to express their opinion freely. Beyond that, some answers will need to be provided after the investigation is carried out.’