DISY yesterday gave its backing to Anna Marangou as its choice for the position of Nicosia Mayor in this December’s Municipal elections.
The support comes after the party conducted an opinion poll, which showed her to be the people’s choice.
Members of the public were asked who they would most like to see as the capital’s mayor. Marangou received 26 per cent of the vote, current Mayor Michalakis Zampelas – elected with DISY support in December 2001 – was narrowly second with 24 per cent, AKEL Deputy Eleni Mavrou had 15 per cent, despite the support of the three-party governing coalition, president of the technical chamber ETEK, Nicos Mesaritis 8 per cent, and European Party Deputy Nicos Koutsou 7 per cent.
DISY spokesman Tassos Mitsopoulos said that, “after careful discussions, we have chosen to back Anna Marangou”.
Official confirmation is expected from the party’s executive tomorrow.
Marangou, a Nicosia Municipality cultural worker and former mayoral candidate, thanked the party, “and the people who believe in me and who I have worked for over the past 25 years.”
Mitsopoulos told the Cyprus Mail the party’s backing meant the candidate would “enjoy moral, technical and organisational support. We will mobilise local party branches and organise various events, rallies and speeches in a public education campaign.”
It was back in June that 55-year-old Marangou, who is also an archaeologist and art historian, threw her hat into the race. When asked at the time what was important to the city, she said that, “Nicosia has many important issues which need to be addressed. It’s actually two cities – one within the Venetian walls and one outside. If I am elected as Mayor, and I am very confident of succeeding, I will approach the job with an open mind.”
On why she thinks she would make a good mayor, Marangou responded by saying: “First of all, I am a woman and we are good listeners and have a knack for having different attitudes to things. We listen to people, discuss their concerns and can share our views and ideas. A mayor must listen to his or her citizens before taking decisions. The city must be managed with the will of its people. This is how local authorities function today and is part of the conventions that our country has signed.”
Another advantage is the fact that, “I know the ins and outs and drawbacks of the Municipality, having worked there as a cultural officer for the past 12 years,” she said.
Nicosia has never before had a female Mayor.
Current Mayor Michalakis Zampelas announced on September 19 that he would be running for re-election.
He said: “I have devoted myself to the city of Nicosia and am committed to the city having a new look in line with other European capitals without it losing its unique heritage and local character.”
The Mayor will be running as an independent candidate not affiliated to any political party.
“I have presented the work done by the Municipality over the last four-and-a-half-years in a 124-point booklet entitled Our City Changes, delivered to all households in the Municipality. This also includes projects planned for the future. I have devoted myself to Nicosia and am committed to the city having a new look in line with other European capitals without it losing its unique heritage and local character.”
He also noted the Municipality’s securing of independent financing to the tune of six million pounds, without loans, and another eight million from the European Union.
“If re-elected, I want to continue with various projects, including the major redevelopment of Eleftheria Sqaure as well as with new projects such as the reconstruction of at least three major roads including Themistocli Dervi, Ayios Pavlos and Prodromou Street.
“I know that some problems still remain but we have taken important steps over the past few years.”
When informed of the poll’s results Zampelas, speaking from Brussels where he was meeting with EU representatives over the new Mia Milla sewage plant, reiterated his independent candidacy. “I ask the public to support me based on what I have achieved so far and the future work that will be done.”
