Theodora Kyriakou, the candidate for MP with DIPA in Famagusta, gave an interview to Famagusta.News.
Through the interview you can get to know her and see her vision, as well as the reasons why she decided to run as a candidate in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections.
First tell us a few words about you to get to know you better.
First of all I would like to thank you for the interview and for the opportunity you give me to get to know people better. I come from occupied Famagusta and Frenaros where I live permanently. I studied literature and journalism, while I hold two postgraduate degrees, in pedagogy and in the administration of cultural units. As a journalist, I worked for ANT1 Greece and the first nationwide newspaper "Proto Thema". I collaborate with Cypriot media, while now I have my own internet channel, "Emotion" with social issues. As a philologist, I have been teaching at the State Training Institutes for the last few years and I am happy to be in contact with the children. I feel blessed to be able to combine both of my studies.
Why did you decide to run in this year's parliamentary elections?
I have intense social and voluntary action focused on man. That is why I am running in the elections, I am interested in man and the creation of a human society, a just society without discrimination with respect and solidarity. Through informative web pages, social media and my personal web channel, I try to highlight social issues, raise awareness and concern my fellow human beings. I love my village Frenaros but also the whole province of Famagusta and I feel that we can all offer in our own way to our province.
Why did you decide to run as a candidate on the Democratic Party (DIPA) ballot?
The Democratic Party is a central party with new faces and new ideas. Our priority is man, the strengthening of the welfare state and the removal of all social inequalities. As a society we have to do a lot to eliminate all kinds of inequalities and build a human society. I feel that we have the same goals as Mr. Mario Karoyan and the Democratic Party. After discussions with the President, I realized that we are both interested in the human being above all and we will fight with all our might with respect for each human being. I feel that the Democratic Party has given me the opportunity to make my social vision a reality.
In your opinion, what do you think the province of Famagusta needs most?
The province of Famagusta is one of the most beautiful provinces with remarkable people and I believe that more emphasis should be given to our province by the state. However, I would like to emphasize that from my work through interviews on social issues I have found that Famagusta needs a new modern center for support, hospitality and education of all people with disabilities or some form of syndrome. This is the concern of all parents and all mothers end up with the same anxiety and worry about what their children will become when they leave life or are unable to support them. I believe that the state must actively support all people with disabilities and special needs and offer them all the necessary care to live a quality and dignified life, a life as they deserve.
Do you think that the coronavirus pandemic has affected both Cyprus and the Province of Famagusta, in which you are a candidate?
Undoubtedly, we are living in unprecedented conditions now with the coronavirus with a lot of stress and anxiety. The pandemic that affects our country has highlighted huge socio-economic problems. In a small country like Cyprus, the state should be citizen-centered. Unfortunately, more and more of our fellow citizens are trying to survive through very difficult conditions. I get in touch with our fellow citizens every day and there are no words to express. Famagusta and more specifically Ayia Napa and Protaras, which rely primarily on tourism, are having a difficult time financially. Unfortunately for a year now hotels, businesses, restaurants, shops and leisure centers have not worked so you realize what a bad situation people are in. I would also like to refer to the Famagusta hospital which for two consecutive times became a reference hospital with the nursing and medical staff making superhuman efforts to save human lives. It is very difficult for all the inhabitants of the Free Province of Famagusta. The truth is I have heard many incidents but I have experienced it with my own man. The patient was in danger and could not be transported to Famagusta hospital and the hospital Larnaca, which is closest to us, did not give priority resulting in wasting valuable time and creating an irreversible situation. The truth is that only we who live in Famagusta realize how difficult the conditions we are experiencing are.
Do you think that the parliamentary elections of 2021 are different from the previous electoral contests regarding the Cyprus issue?
The upcoming parliamentary elections are coming at a difficult time for our national issue as well, with Famagusta being at the center of the Turkish Invader. We are called once again to stand tall in the face of Turkey's expansionist policy. We have no room for further concessions. I say it and I am moved but my grandmother and grandfather raised me with beautiful stories about our Varosi and they both left with the same misery when we will return. Watching developments closely, especially after the informal Pentagon in Geneva, I see that the occupation regime and Turkey are determined to continue on a politically tough line. But this should not discourage us. The struggle for liberation and return is ongoing.
What is your support? Where do you get power from?
My support is my family, whom I love dearly. I have two wonderful parents who sacrificed everything for me. My father, Evangelos, is my support in this election campaign. My aunt and uncle, who have been by my side since I was little, support me a lot in this endeavor as well. My husband and my sister and her children are the most precious thing I have in my life and they give me strength to keep going. I have cousins, real girlfriends and boyfriends who hold my hand and move me. I also met people from DIPA during the pre-election period who are by my side and make me feel strong. I have faith in God and I feel blessed to have people near me who love and support me.
How do you think the day after the elections will find you?
The next day of the elections will find me happy because regardless of the result I made a beautiful trip with wonderful people, I met rare people in DIPA that I will have by my side all my life. For me, the destination and the trip are important. Happiness for me is the simple everyday moments with my loved ones and to enjoy every moment with them! Also, my effort for a human society will continue whether I am in Parliament or as an ordinary citizen with sensitivities. The important thing is to fight in your life with respect, dignity and above all with love for every fellow human being!