In an optimistic New Year’s address, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday there are reasons for hope in 2025, both on the domestic front as well as for Cyprus’ foreign policy.

In his televised speech, Christodoulides said he looked at people in the eye “with honesty and responsibility,” and assured them that Cyprus is changing.

“Cyprus is changing and moving forward, with confidence and certainty, creating hope and prospects for everyone.”

Reflecting on 2024, he stressed it was a year of “bold solutions” taken by the government to improve the quality of life for all Cypriots and make it a more inclusive country.

Boosting transparency, introducing housing schemes, announcing measures to tackle soaring energy costs and investments of over €128 million for public hospitals were some of the examples he cited.

Digitisation, a more generous childbirth allowance, €700 million worth of measures to combat inflation, better working conditions for the national guard and “effective measures” to deal with migration, were among the changes Christodoulides trumpeted, along with a reform of the legal service and audit office.

For any and all social policies to be rolled out however, Christodoulides stressed it was paramount to have a robust economy, which was resilient, competitive and strong.

“In 2024 we are projected to achieve the third highest growth rate in the eurozone, while inflation for 2024 is expected to be below 2 per cent, down from 3.5 per cent last year.

“Our fiscal position is also strong, with a surplus of around 4 per cent, while at the same time we have achieved the largest reduction in public debt among EU member states between the first and second quarters of 2024.”

The president underlined that unemployment is at its lowest rate in 15 years, while simultaneously the island is “approaching full employment conditions.”

Job prospects are on the rise, with better job security and wages, he said.

Christodoulides referenced the credit rating agencies that upgraded Cyprus to A after 13 years. This attracts investments, better job prospects and a means to help young people see their future in Cyprus rather than abroad, he added.

While Cyprus is changing and transforming on the domestic front, the president said the country was leaving an international footprint with its foreign policy.

Taking “bold initiatives” such as the Amalthea humanitarian corridor, the strategic dialogue with the US, a seat at the UN Human Rights Council, and institutionalising relations with Greece and neighbouring states, as well as chairing the presidency of the Med9, Christodoulides said Cyprus was leaving its mark.

This also prompted the first White House visit in 28 years, the British Prime Minister’s visit after 53 years and a visit from the German and Italian presidents to Cyprus, along with many others.

“Strengthening our country’s power, both internally and externally, contributes decisively to our effort to achieve our top priority, which is none other than the end of the occupation, the liberation and reunification of our country.”

On the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said since the day he took office “I have exerted every possible effort to resume negotiations and solve the Cyprus problem.”

With 2024 marking the 50 year anniversary of the Turkish invasion, “we are intensifying our efforts to end the unacceptable status quo.”

To this end, the government worked to “utilise our strengthened international footprint and our status as an EU member state, creating incentives and conditions to change Turkey’s stance.”

As a result, EU-Turkish relations have been linked to progress on solving the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said.

“I am ready for my meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader but more so, the expanded meeting under the auspices of the UN, ready to work with the only aim to end occupation and reunify our country.”

Christodoulides sought to stress he was ready to take on his “historic responsibility” to find a solution that would ultimately benefit Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

Bidding goodbye to 2024, the president said it was clear that “hard work, planning, dedication, and perseverance” reaps results and “leads Cyprus where it deserves.”

Along with the team at the cabinet that works hard “and with people at the heart of our policies, we are changing Cyprus.”

“We welcome 2025 and the main goal remains improving the daily life of every citizen. Let us look to the future with a vision, optimism, hope and perspective, stronger than ever and always united.”