House President Annita Demetriou said she is concerned over the rise of extreme political positions across Europe.
While addressing a conference organised by the Organization of Senior Citizens of Cyprus and the European Seniors’ Union (ESU), themed “New Perspectives for Better Ageing,” Demetriou urged the older generation to offer guidance and perspective to the populace, aiming to bolster peace, democracy, and safety.
Demetriou emphasised the importance of the elderly in countering the challenges faced both inside and outside the European Union (EU). “It is essential for us, the younger generation, to recognise the need for your steadfast presence against these emerging threats,” she remarked.
The House President said she is alarmed over the surge “of both far-right and far-left extremism in EU nations,” stressing the imperative to “defend our democracies and institutions.” Demetriou advocated for combating these issues with “enhanced democracy, reasoned debate, and safeguarding our long-established systems, developed over decades amid trials and tribulations.”
She underscored the vital role of the ESU in this situation and called for the leaders of the European Seniors’ Union to convene promptly to tackle these challenges and assume a leading role in reinforcing efforts to foster peace, democracy, and security.
The House President also made it clear that ideologies such as fascism and Nazism have no place in the European Parliament and expressed concerns about future prospects. She stated that it is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of political leanings, to uphold democracy and the future of Europe.
In parallel, she assured that the House of Representatives and her political party, the Democratic Rally (Disy), are committed to supporting the elderly. Demetriou expressed confidence that senior citizens share this vision and will collaborate to confront future challenges.
