Disy launches vision for Nicosia and Cyprus

Nicosia mayoral candidate Nikos Tornaritis was given a display of support on Sunday by his backer, Disy, as he toured central streets of the capital with its leadership.

The walkabout ended at Faneromeni church as part of an event to launch his candidacy.

During the event, Tornaritis stopped to discuss issues with residents and shopkeepers, including prospects for the city, concerns and future proposals.

Disy leader Annita Demetriou said Nicosia, as the only divided capital in Europe, had particular issues which must be taken on by a personality capable of carrying through a “vision for the capital and for Cyprus”.

“Disy had believed in the reform of local self-government,” she said, and was starting to work dynamically toward its implementation.

The party head also introduced Chrysanthos Fakas, who has served on various municipality committees, noting that he is also endorsed by the party and had the “capacity to contribute to the vision Nicosia needs”.

Fakas responded by thanking Disy for its support and said, “Nicosia is changing.” He went on to praise the works that had been carried over the past few years saying they spoke for themselves.

“I have been close to residents through the easy and the tough [times] and the vision is to revamp the city end-to-end, to create a Nicosia which is friendly, accessible, and interconnected from its centre to its residential [outskirts].”

Tornaritis for his part said he would be developing the plan for the municipality along with his constituents.

“I am committed to giving to my city. I will contribute my experience, my vision, my thoughts, add to international connections, and above all listen to mayors who have previously served, as well as anyone who loves the city and has something to say,” Tornaritis added.

He also said that in his policies, like his party, he intends to “steer away from intrigues” and “face the future of Nicosia with optimism.”

Demetriou noted that outgoing mayor Constantinos Yiorkadzis, who had been unable to attend the event, is the party’s choice for the post of Regional Governor.

Elections for mayors will be held in June for the first time since local government reform saw the number of municipalities on the island slashed.