He gave an interview to Famagusta.News o Candidate MP with the Change of Generation in Famagusta, Michalis Soulis.
Read in detail:
Tell us a few words about yourself.
I was born in Larnaca in 1988 and live in Xylotymvou. I come from the occupied Achna and the occupied Vitsada of the Province of Famagusta, birthplaces of my father and mother respectively. I am married and have a son. I am a graduate of the American Academy in Larnaca and during my military service I served as a Probationary Reserve Officer. I have studied Civil Engineering with honors and I have done a postgraduate course in Construction Management in Great Britain with a scholarship. I have also studied welding engineering (IWE-EWE) in Greece. Today I work as a Technical Director in a private construction company, and I was also a professor at UCLan University teaching welding theory. I am a member of the Institute of Civil Engineering of England (ICE), ETEK and the Hellenic Institute of Welding.
All these years I worked very hard to achieve my goals. I have always had as my basic principle the good of my homeland, society and my fellow human beings. I like to set the bar very high and succeed through my work and perseverance. In the upcoming elections, I will be on the ballot of Famagusta at number 7 with the Movement for Generation movement.
What do you think are the most important problems facing Cyprus today?
There are many problems that our country has been facing for several years. Problems that were not addressed, as a result of which they became gigantic and needed an immediate solution. The most important of these are the corruption and entanglement that led the world to turn its back on politics and politicians, the problem with our education that has plagued children and teachers for decades, but also the Cyprus issue that we have left in the wrong direction and in the end we Greek Cypriots found ourselves with our backs to the wall.
What do you think needs to change in our education?
I believe that there are many bad texts in our education and that is why we need to invest a lot in this area. The structures need to be set up so that there is sufficient free education for all ages. At the same time, to invest in modern, energy-upgraded buildings that are friendly to learning but also to students with mobility problems. No student should be left out and no student should feel a foreign body. School starts at 8:30 and ends at 15:00 so that students have no homework at all and can invest their time with their parents in constructive activities. The school orientation should start from the XNUMXst Gymnasium so that the students can find and cultivate their talents. At the same time, because education is not only for students but also for teachers, we need to modernize their grading system for a fair and correct grading. Education, let us not forget, is not only the sterile acquisition of knowledge but above all it is the creation of right citizens.
How do you see the situation with corruption and entanglement in our country?
Corruption and entanglement have plagued our country for many decades. It is not something that appeared suddenly. The passport and naturalization scandal was the last straw. Corruption and entanglement afflict and drag our society, undermining the institution of democracy and the rule of law. Stricter controls should be carried out in the "Pothen Esches" of political and economic factors of the place. Pursue transparent procedures that will serve the public interest and will aim at the economic prosperity of the state and the citizens and not the private interests. Finally, more frequent inspections and reduction of impunity. The phenomena of corruption and entanglement must not come under the rug. It is time to shed light on everything that afflicts us and to finally find the cleansing.
What challenges does the Cypriot economy face?
Unfortunately, the economic crisis that broke out in 2013 has left indelible marks both in our society and in the citizens of our country. To this situation were added the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. All this has hit the economy of Cyprus and as a result have created dozens of problems for the Cypriot citizens. A just and humane economy must be built for a prosperous society with economic growth and a quality of life guaranteed. Unemployment is rising month by month, job insecurity has now become a way of life at a time when workers' incomes are shrinking. We must finally attract foreign capital to Cyprus and create new jobs in areas of real development, however, so that no citizen is enslaved to state benefits. To make a substantial absorption of funds from European funds and European operational programs. At the same time, no pensioner should receive a pension of less than 733 euros. Finally, no small and medium-sized enterprise and no entrepreneur should be left without support. These people were and are the backbone of our economy.
What would you like to say to the Famagustans?
Famagusta is our city, it is part of our enslaved homeland and not another bargaining chip. Developments with the "opening" of Varos do not allow us to rest. Unfortunately, for many decades the Cypriot issue has been moving in the wrong direction, with the result that today the division is openly put on the table by the occupying forces. We must fight together to prevent the tourist exploitation of Famagusta by Turkey. The solution to our Cyprus problem must be sustainable and workable and must go through United Nations resolutions shielding exemption from foreign troops, invasive rights and guarantees. Famagusta, I repeat, should no longer be considered a simple bargaining chip. Famagusta is part of our homeland, it is our city and no one can delete it. Any solution to the Cyprus problem always passes through Famagusta…