Local elections: Nicosia candidates register for massive revamp
Independent candidate for Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos on Thursday said his desire is “to create a city that unites all residents”.
He made statements to the media after formally submitting his candidacy for the revamped local government elections in June.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the local government elections,” he said.
“It’s a celebratory day for democracy, but also a pivotal day for Nicosia because our city is undergoing a phase of reform, where four major urban municipalities [Aglandja, Engomi, Strovolos and Nicosia] will merge, creating a city with over 110,000 residents, a significant workforce, and a substantial budget to manage,” he said.
Prountzos stressed the need for visionary leadership to manage the new order effectively.
“We need a green, intelligent, efficient, and democratic Nicosia. A city that is inclusive and cares for all its citizens, a city of universities, research, innovation, a city of healthy entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. But above all, a city of history, culture, and experiences,” he said.
Prountzos urged voters in Nicosia to exercise their democratic right in the upcoming elections.
“The capital is a city that unites us all, regardless of political affiliations or residential locations.”
Following Prountzos, Disy’s Nikos Tornaritis also submitted his candidacy to become Nicosia mayor, calling on his party’s voters “to set aside what divided them and unite.”
He stressed that Nicosia is currently undergoing significant changes, becoming a metropolitan municipality encompassing other major urban municipalities.
“Above all, we need political experience, decisiveness, cooperation, and unity,” he said.
“My candidacy stands for a green and smart city, for better traffic management, for a revamp of for the old town, for the elderly, for the children, and for the animals.”
Tornaritis thanked Disy president Annita Demetriou for supporting his candidacy. He also extended his gratitude to Diko “for embracing his ideas”, and to Edek and the Animal Party “for standing by him from the beginning”.