Statement by MP Michalis Giakoumis following the joint session of the Parliamentary Committees on Environment, Interior and Agriculture:
The tragic wildfires highlighted, in the most painful way, the inadequacies and deep flaws of the state in prevention, preparedness and crisis management.
As a Member of Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus, I believe that political responsibility is either assumed or assigned. It cannot be bypassed.
There can be no ongoing immunity for the state when citizens continue to pay the price for the same mistakes. The lack of political accountability cannot be concealed with reports, words of sympathy, or even the obvious — the restoration of material damage.
Now is the time for truth and courage. Either we act responsibly, or we accept our complicity in silence.
Personally, I am not prepared to remain indifferent to this stance by the Government.
Not because it is merely inadequate, but because it refuses to take responsibility.
When human lives are lost, when the state mechanism fails, and no one resigns, then something is deeply wrong.
I am calling for clear political responsibility to be taken.
I am not concerned with political cost.
What matters to me is being able to look citizens in the eye and have a clear conscience.
The question is whether we are ready — not in words, but in action — for the next crisis.
Climate change is here. Wildfires will multiply. Droughts will become more severe. Floods will be unpredictable and destructive. Are we ready as a state? Or will we repeat the same mistakes?
Our first concern must be the people who have been affected. The assistance they are owed must be provided without delay, without obstacles, and without the suffocation of bureaucracy.
Our readiness as Members of Parliament is assured, even through legislative action if necessary, to ensure we never experience anything similar again.
Michalis Giakoumis
Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment
Source: Michalis Giakoumis
Feature Photo Source: BBC
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