Margaritis Schinas from Cyprus has sent a message in support of Cyprus .gr/eyropi”>Europe, warning against populism and supporting the European orientation of DISY.
A clear political message in favour of the European course of Cyprus and against the voices of populism was sent by Margaritis Schinas, speaking at the central election event of DISY, stressing that the Cyprus is a crucial pillar of stability and a frontline European border in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Minister of Rural Development and Food stressed that the country’s place is in the big European family, noting that Cyprus is now at the centre of major developments in Europe, while calling on citizens to raise a “wall of reason and responsibility” against easy anger and extreme voices.
The position that Cyprus must remain firmly oriented towards the West and Europe was expressed by Rural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Schinas, speaking today (20/5) at the main election event of the Democratic Rally of Cyprus (DISY) in Cyprus.
At the centre of major European developments
Cyprus is today “at the centre of major European developments more than ever before”, noting that “it is here on these soils that Europe begins, not ends”. Regarding his own journey alongside Cyprus, he said that he had “the luck – also on a personal level – to accompany Cyprus in its first big steps in Europe”, expressing his pride for his support in its European course.
The Minister of Rural Development and Food described the Democratic Rally as a “force of stability”, saying that it “expresses the great European and patriotic party of Cyprus, as envisioned by Glafkos Clerides”. He added that DISY is “the party that has kept the country firmly oriented towards the West, Europe, seriousness and responsibility”.
At the same time, he reiterated that “Cyprus must always be Western, always European, always a protagonist”, stressing that Cyprus’ place “is in the great European family” and that this “is the great historical choice of the Cypriot Hellenism and is unquestionable”.
The upcoming elections are crucial
Schinas also referred to the danger of populism, arguing that the upcoming elections are crucial, as “the front of populism is added, which wants to raise its head again”. He called on citizens to “build a wall of logic, a wall of responsibility against easy anger.”
Referring to the Greek experience of the past decade, he said that in Greece “we have experienced both the victory and defeat of populism,” adding that “we have suffered and learned.” As she noted, “the path of reason is never the easy path”, while “the path of populism often seems straightforward, quick, seductive”.
Schinas also referred to the migration issue, stressing that she was “at the forefront” in supporting Cyprus, while recalling that she was “the first Commissioner to visit the Green Line”. He said “we did things together that had never been done before” and “we convinced European institutions and governments that Cyprus is not a ‘far corner’ of Europe but a frontline European border”.
He concluded by expressing his support for DISY president Anita Demetriou, saying that “she can express this new great effort” and that “she represents a new generation of politicians who understand that Cyprus must continue to look ahead with confidence, seriousness and national conscience.”
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