Cyprus bids farewell to ‘honest, intelligent and effective’ minister

The island’s political and business world put aside their differences on Tuesday in an outpouring of grief for Zeta Emilianidou, the highly respected labour minister and public official who died in Athens on Monday evening, three weeks after suffering a brain aneurism.

As flags flew at half-mast at government buildings, President Nicos Anastasiades led tributes to his close associate. “Zeta will be missed by all off us. But primarily by our country which loses an honest, intelligent and effective minister,” he said on Twitter.

A common theme in the scores of messages issued across the political spectrum, by business and labour organisations as well as colleagues and former associates of Emilianidou, was her dedication to service, her commitment to helping others, her integrity and hard work.

Emilianidou, who had risen through the ranks to the top public service position of ministry permanent secretary before being appointed minister, was a trailblazer for women.

And she was a role model for all, an example of dedication to others and instrumental in key social reforms such as the introduction of minimum guaranteed income.

Deputy minister for social welfare Anastasia Anthousi recalled that on her appointment, Emilianidou had spoken to her of their obligation to serve the public. “Our policies affect thousands,” the minister had told her, urging her always to care for people.

Staff at the labour ministry bade farewell as they paid tribute to the woman who served as a model in politics, social life and labour issues.

“As minister she promoted a series of reforms that concern all sectors of the ministry’s responsibilities with special emphasis on social welfare, worker rights and gender equality,” they said.

The passion with which she supported the rights of workers and ordinary citizens is a practical expression of her attitude to life, leaving behind her stamp and valuable legacy, they said.

Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides, with whom Emilianidou had worked closely on support measures during the pandemic, said they used to joke about their plans once they leave office. Presidential elections are scheduled for next February.

Ruling Disy, which also lowered its flags to half-mast, stressed that Emilianidou’s character and work will forever be an example for all.

There were tributes from all political parties which noted that the late minister had always been receptive to proposals to advance social justice.

There was shock and grief from both business and trade union organisations.

The Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) praised Emilianidou as a woman who had served her country’s labour and social welfare policy with honesty and integrity, and lowered flags at its building in her honour.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Emilianidou’s work had been important and multi-dimensional, culminating in the management of the impact of the pandemic on businesses and employees.

Trade unions thanked Emilianidou for her invaluable contribution.

“Farewell, our Zeta. We thank you for everything you had done for workers, society and the country. We will miss you,” Sek trade union confederation wrote on Twitter.

Left-wing trade union confederation Peo spoke of a significant associate for the trade union movement who always kept channels of communication open, listened carefully to Peo’s proposals and sought consensus and cooperation.

And Deok trade union confederation said Emilianidou was “never a career politician” and did not use her post to promote personal ambitions. Instead, she had served her country, working people and society with full commitment to advocacy, solidarity and principles of social justice, to universal acknowledgement.

“We honour her memory by promising that we will complete the process for the establishment of a national minimum wage, putting into practice our common vision for dignified working conditions, a vision [Emilianidou] had believed would be the culmination of her prolific political career,” it added.