Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos announced on Monday that he would reclaim the position of the first citizen of the occupied city, despite initially opposing views and the fact that his long tenure in the political scene tired him, but he said that because the Cyprus issue is at its "edge" razor ", concluded - after persuasions - that in the current situation he has no right to rest.
In the press conference during which he announced his decision, Mr. Galanos said that he finally decided to run again for Mayor of Famagusta.
He added that it was not an easy decision, as his initial intention was to rest after five terms as Member of Parliament for Famagusta, one of which as President of the Legislature and two other terms as Mayor.
"After 42 years in politics there is a fatigue, reinforced by the internal toxic situation, the entanglement and everything that is happening at a time when the people had to be united and face the data of 42 years of Turkish presence in the country." , he continued.
"Nevertheless, after much deliberation and much encouragement, I decided that I may be tired, but I have no right to rest," said the Mayor of Famagusta, adding that he must gather all his strength and continue because the times demand it.
As Mr. Galanos said, "we are in a very difficult and decisive turning point of the Cyprus problem, I would say that we are at the razor's edge or we will enter a solution that will ensure the survival of the Cypriot Hellenism and the entire Cypriot people, or we will end up in a shipwreck which will have very bad consequences, because there is a risk of the annexation of the occupied territories ".
"I will claim the Famagusta City Hall, putting forward my experience all these years, the relationships I gained and the need to continue a race that is nearing its end, in the alpha or beta way," he added.
He said that the municipal elections are not elections of party confrontation, but elections at the level of individuals, "and I do not think that these should be judged on the basis of party criteria."
He added that he feels that there is unbridled partisanship in the country, the parties are certainly wheels of democracy, but in everything there must be moderation.
"With these words I ask for the support of the people of the city of Famagusta and I will do my best, if elected, to return to our city and at the same time to finally resolve the Cyprus issue, so that the place has a future, since the island of Cyprus for "For the first time in its history, it is in danger of being divided," he continued.
Asked to mention the origin of the incentives to continue, Mr. Galanos said that they come from citizens, friends, associates and independent people, who considered that it is not a time when he can retire, because Famagusta needs him.
"People will judge if they still need me," he added.
Asked if there was anything new than the initiative taken by DISY to reach common candidates in the occupied municipalities to avoid electoral controversy, the Mayor of Famagusta said that there were efforts from many sides and expressed the view that the occupied municipalities should be elected. .
He also said that there was an attempt to extend the term and postpone the municipal elections due to the Cyprus issue and in view of the reform of the Local Government, which was abandoned.
The Mayor of Famagusta finally said that in Cyprus, with the Turkish army inside the gates, we should have had a Government of national unity from the very beginning.
Support from DISY
The Politburo of DISY decided in a meeting on Monday that it will support Mr. Galanos during his candidacy.
Source: KYPE