Televised New Year Message from the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Νikos Christodoulides

Fellow compatriots,

The end of this year and the arrival of the New Year offer us an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and also serve as a catalyst for achieving further progress in the major efforts we are putting in to change our country for the better.

2026 begins with a milestone moment for the Republic of Cyprus, as from tomorrow and for the next six months, our country will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). It is undoubtedly a moment of great national pride as we take on this significant responsibility, and I am confident that we will rise to the challenge successfully and work together towards an Autonomous Union. Open to the World.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The dawning of 2026 finds the Republic of Cyprus, thanks to our responsible fiscal policy, moving forward with confidence and pride on the path of economic growth, boasting full employment, zero inflation, a significant reduction in public debt and successive upgrades in its credit rating from all international Rating Agencies.

All of this translates into tangible results for citizens, for the State and for our country. First and foremost, it allows us to implement targeted social policies and to invest substantially in education, health, housing, the welfare state, in all the areas that actually make a difference to citizens’ daily life.

At the same time, we are continuing the major effort to restructure and modernise the State that was established in 1960, through ongoing and bold reforms that improve transparencyand accountability, and make a real difference to citizens’ daily lives, their dealings with public services and their standard of living, while at the same time creating hope and prospects for Cyprus’ next generation.

And precisely in line with these policies, we have promoted landmark reforms, such as the overhaul of the country’s taxation system, which will take effect from tomorrow and will restore the balance between social justice and economic competitiveness, since the tax income generated will be directly returned to households, to the middleandworkingclasses, to families and businesses.

Within this same framework, we have proceeded to reform the teacher evaluation system, modernise the LawOfficeandAudit Officeof the Republic of Cyprus, implement the digital transformation of the State, make registration in the electoral rolls automatic, introduce the right to vote from the age of 17 and adopt many other policies, all of which are always designed to benefit citizens. And we will continue with exactly the same determination in 2026, with the pension reform and the substantial increase in pensions as our flagship reform.

Dear friends,

As we approach the end of our Government’s third year in office, we are continuing with determination, a clear plan and strategy and with strong political will to implement our governance programme, which is based on the principles of social liberalism, according to which the State has to be socially aware and uphold the principles of equality and solidarity, while at the same time creating a favourable environment for entrepreneurship, investments, and all drivers of economic activity and social development.

We are working to implement an ambitious governance programme, based on all our policy decisions and actions which serve our five key priorities:

• An outward-looking foreign policy, with a clear European and Western focus, and strong defence and security;
• A resilientand strong economy;
• The modernisation of the State through ongoing reforms;
• Transparency, accountability and the prevention of corruption; and
• The improvement of citizens’ daily life.

I am truly pleased to report that taking stock of our achievements so far confirms that our actions have matched our words in fulfilling what we promised both prior to and post the elections, which also constitutes our social contract with the electorate, the people of Cyprus.

And we will continue in 2026 with exactly the same commitment and responsibility, reinforcing every pillar of our country’s strength, both at home and abroad. Domestically, we will face the great challenge of migration, consolidate our country’s deterrent power, entrench the rule of law, simplify procedures and cut through red tape, remaining true to our non-negotiable determination to achieve transparency, accountability and to fight corruption.

On the international stage, with a clear European and Western focus, we will continue to walk the path of responsibility, playing an active role as a pillar of security and stability in the wider Middle East region. Through initiatives and actions, we will continue to enhance the Republic of Cyprus’ international standing and to highlight its added value in addressing regional, European, and international challenges. We will always be part of the solution and never part of the problem.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Everything I have referred to so far decisively strengthens our great effort to achieve our top priority, namely the liberation and reunification our homeland, based on the United Nations’ resolutions, the agreements that have been reached and, of course, the principles and values of the EU and the acquis communautaire.

From the very first moment of assuming the governance of the country, we have been working on the basis of a specific plan to ensure the resumption of talks from where they interrupted in 2017. I am very pleased to report that our efforts have led to the international community taking an active interest once more, with the appointment of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, the Trilateral and Multilateral Conferences and the appointment, for the first time, of the Special Envoy of the President of the European Commission for Cyprus, and the clear and meaningful linking of EU-Turkey relations with the Cyprus problem. We will continue these major efforts, without overlooking the difficulties and challenges, with the sole aim of reuniting our homeland through a viable and lasting solution.

This is my promise, and also my duty. I am fully prepared to assume my responsibilities towards the people of Cyprus, towards our refugees, our compatriots who are enclaved and the relatives of those who are missing. Our objective is very clear, and our political will is strong and unwavering. This is also my clear message to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and to Turkey.

Dear friends,

In a few hours, we will be welcoming 2026, with the flag of the Republic of Cyprus proudly flying on the highest mast in Europe, and with the certainty that our homeland will continue to move forward with responsibility and confidence, on both the domestic and the international stage.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Together, we are changing Cyprus for the better, with vision, a strategic approach and a clear plan.

____________________

For the televised address of the President of the Republic in Greek press here.

For the televised address in the Turkish language press here Cumhurbaşkanı Sn. Nikos Hristodulidis’in Yeni Yıl Mesajı (PDF).