Christodoulidis: "I feel that there is a lot of anxiety about the debates" (VIDEO)

A meeting of the President of the Party, M. Sizopoulos, with the Candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, N. Christodoulidis, took place today at the offices of EDEK.

Immediately after the meeting, Mr. Christodoulidis stated:

"I would like to thank Mr. Sizopoulos for the very constructive discussion, during which I had the opportunity to develop the ideological-political framework for how we approach this dialogue with civil society in our ongoing program based on what we are discussing. with a human-centered society based on social liberalism and aiming, among other things, to strengthen and expand the middle class. One middle class you realize is the backbone of both the economy and society. In this context, we exchanged views, discussed the various aspects of my program as it is formed, the main pillars, the priorities. I listened with great interest to the comments of Mr. Sizopoulos and the dialogue will continue, always taking into account the decisions of the collective bodies of EDEK. I would like to thank Mr. Sizopoulos for the very constructive discussion ".

Subsequently, the President of EDEK stated:

"I, on the part of EDEK, would also like to thank my friend Nikos Christodoulidis for this first but also very important and constructive meeting that we had. Let me just confirm that in this first meeting there was an exchange of views on general issues in view of the forthcoming presidential elections.
Some questions were answered by EDEK which are questions that concern the members of the collective bodies of the party. But I think the most important thing is that these meetings will always continue in connection with the final decisions that the collective bodies of EDEK will be called to take in view of the upcoming presidential elections.

The goal on the part of EDEK is clear. In any case, we would like the next government to focus its efforts not only on issues related to the settlement of the Cyprus problem, which is an important issue, but mainly on issues of internal governance, issues of socio-economic policy, issues related to addressing it. corruption. In order to create exactly the best possible conditions so that the citizens can trust politics again, the citizens can be active again, to give a new direction to our homeland, especially in the critical moments that not only Cyprus is going through but I can say the European and the world space.

Therefore, I would like to once again thank my friend Nikos Christodoulidis for the meeting. Our meetings will continue, I always believe in a constructive and positive atmosphere until the picture is complete, I can say of any proposal that will be submitted to the EDEK collective bodies on the basis of rational and transparent data to make final decisions regarding the presidential elections. ».

When asked by a journalist to Marinos Sizopoulos when EDEK will make its final decisions for the presidential elections, the President of EDEK stated:

"At yesterday's meeting of the CoE. there was an extensive discussion around this issue. Despite the fact that the intentions were to complete the process within June, but due to a relative delay in shaping the election scenario, as well as the candidacies and some proposals of party members on how the final proposals should be received, there is a possibility that these decisions will be taken within July. They will not be decisions that will be too late because everyone realizes that there can be no long delay. Yes, "hurry slowly" but "slow down should not be a delay that will create huge problems".

When asked by a journalist about the exact date of the final decision, M. Sizopoulos stated:
"It's a little difficult at the moment because my views may be a little different from the views of the majority of the members of the collegiate bodies. Therefore, because at this moment and in yesterday's session, various options were set, which the P.G. of the Party in the next session will discuss in order to decide whether the final decision will be taken by the CoE. or by an Extraordinary Pancyprian Congress, or whether it may be on the basis of another procedure. "We want our decisions to be based on democratic and transparent procedures so that the involvement of members and friends of the party is to the greatest extent possible."

When asked by a journalist to Mr. Christodoulidis about how he is proceeding with the program statements, he replied:
"You understand that the second phase of the dialogue is underway. The dialogue is expected to conclude in early July. If you want me to speak more specifically following your previous question, in the first fortnight of July we will gradually begin to publicize through our workshops that will be organized, our priorities in each policy pillar. "In the autumn, they will be made public so that our program statements can be made public."

Asked by a journalist whether the position of EDEK in the Cyprus issue for the ICC, which is contrary to the position of Mr. Christodoulidis, is a problem or if it can be overcome, M. Sizopoulos said:

"All problems can be overcome. In a collaboration it does not mean that one party has to blackmail its views to the other. This is exactly why I have said that there will be some possible discussions in order to have a record of the individual issues where there are convergences and where there are discrepancies. So that the collective organs of the party, on the basis of a more rational image, make their final decisions. So you understand that there are possibilities for bridging differences, but at the same time it does not mean that any differences that exist will be an obstacle to any possible cooperation. That is why everything will go into the torment of evaluation ".

When asked by a journalist what were the issues discussed at the meeting, Mr. Sizopoulos answered:
"It simply came to our notice then. I do not think it is necessary at this time to go ahead and make any public statements on this issue. The party's collective bodies must first be informed. To express their views, to give me their further directions to see how we proceed ".

Nikos Christodoulidis then added:

"It simply came to our notice then. Both the Cypriot and everyday issues that are very high in the priorities and in my own program but also from what I have heard from Mr. Sizopoulos and the priorities of EDEK ".

When asked by a journalist to Mr. Christodoulidis about the debates, Mr. Christodoulidis answered:
"I feel that there is a lot of anxiety about the debates. Of course we will debate. And not just one. We will have a lot of debates. Our position is clear. We are in favor of debates. Everything will be done on time. Do you realize that dialogue with civil society is paramount? We all tell them that we want through our program to meet their expectations and of course there will be debates. One should not be anxious about any proposal for debate of either two or all of the candidates or smaller formations. "Our position, and I say it publicly to be heard by everyone, is that it is positive."

Asked by a journalist if a second meeting has been arranged, the President of EDEK said:
"No. It will be determined. "You understand that it is important to inform the party's collective bodies first, to make a first assessment and the meetings will continue."