AFTER months of speculation, former Attorney-general Alecos Markides yesterday announced the creation of a new political movement. The new party hopes to attract younger voters back to the ballot box and bring fresh ideas to the island’s political scene.
“More and more citizens are disappointed by the level of our political life.
“This disappointment has led a large number of citizens, especially young ones, to abstain from the public affairs at a critical time for Cyprus’ future,” Markides said.
The movement, Ananeotiki Kinisi (Renewal Movement), hopes to bring a new age on the island: “An age of new mentality, new spirit, new ideas, new methods.”
The former Attorney-general said he would try and bring together those political and social forces seeking political, economic and social modernisation of the island.
“Ananeotiki Kinisi is open to all citizens,” Markides said.
“We are especially appealing to the young people of our country and invite them to dialogue and exchange of views,” he added.
Markides said the movement was also open to Turkish Cypriots with whom he has already had contacts.
“We do want links with Turkish Cypriots and want them in the movement,” he said.
He said he had contacts with ordinary Turkish Cypriots and not just political parties from the north.
“I hope to have Turkish Cypriots in the movement in the next few months,” he said.
The movement wants to give young people a chance to enter politics and produce policy on all major issues.
“Our aim is to promote modern ideas to form public opinion.
“We’ll say what we think is best for the country,” the former attorney-general said.
Markides said the absence of young people from the political scene inevitably led to a reduction of ideas for tackling the big challenges faced by the island.
“If this situation continues, the price will be high for everyone,” Markides said.
He said it was everyone’s duty to change the course of things and politicians primarily to enrich political life with more ethics, honesty, selflessness and seriousness.
“We have to effectively tackle any cases of corruption and conflicting interests,” Markides said.
Asked whether he had the support of a handful of DISY deputies who had backed him during February’s presidential elections, Markides said there were no DISY officials in his movement.
He revealed that a survey carried out at the end of September had showed that he still enjoyed the same support he had in the elections – 6.62 per cent of the electorate, around 27,000 votes.
Markides added that the same survey showed that he could attract additional support from a larger number of people.
“The Renewal Movement is inviting citizens today to submit suggestions on any issue of general interest they wish.”
“We ask for dialogue. We are looking for new ideas and want collectiveness.”
