House president calls for unity and cooperation to meet people’s expectations

The goal shared by the government and parliament is to meet the people’s expectations and that could only be achieved with cooperation and unity, new House president Annita Demetriou said on Friday.

Demetriou met President Nicos Anastasiades in the first meeting between the Republic’s two highest-ranking offices following her election the previous day.

“It is a common goal,” Demetriou, the first female House president in history, said.

She said the two powers must cooperate to meet the people’s expectations “and be able to restore our credibility and boost trust.”

“I am certain parliament will respond and we will be able to achieve the necessary results with transparency, effectiveness, and determination.”

Demetriou added that she will embark on an initiative as soon as possible to push for the approval of much-needed reforms.

“I think we all agree that these reforms are necessary,” Demetriou said. “I am certain that with cooperation and unity we will build a new image.”

From the first moment, some quarters suggested Demetriou’s election had been tarnished by the fact that it was made possible with the votes of the far right.

“I think the result is what is important,” Demetriou said. “Parliament yesterday (Thursday) conveyed a message of unity and that cooperation is necessary. That is what we will hold on to and move ahead.”

Anastasiades stressed that challenges lay ahead that had to be tackled “through a climate of accord for the benefit of society and not just what the current government would reap.”

“That is why more convergences are needed, more understanding; our people conveyed messages in the elections towards all of us, not just particular directions,” he added.

He said he has scheduled meetings on Monday and Tuesday with party leaders to see how to achieve what was best.