**Title: Christodoulides Highlights Initiatives to Enhance Citizen Participation in Government Policy**
In a bid to strengthen participatory democracy in Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides outlined several initiatives aimed at increasing citizen engagement in government policy-making during his address at the Cyprus Forum on Tuesday.
Central to these initiatives is the introduction of the ‘citizens legislative initiative,’ which empowers citizens to influence policy by gathering 5,000 signatures. This threshold obligates either the parliament or the government to consider the proposals put forth by the citizens. Christodoulides emphasized that this initiative is designed to give the public a more substantial voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
Another significant change announced by the president is the automatic registration of all citizens who reach the age of 17 onto the electoral roll. This measure is intended to facilitate youth participation in elections, thereby fostering a more inclusive democratic process.
In addition to these structural changes, Christodoulides revealed plans for a unique meeting of the Council of Ministers. In this initiative, young men and women will assume the roles of ministers to present their suggestions and proposals directly to the government. This collaboration with the citizens’ commissioner aims to provide a genuine opportunity for youth to contribute to public discourse and influence the executive branch.
“The executive branch will evaluate the submissions made during this experience of participatory democracy and act accordingly,” Christodoulides stated, highlighting the government's commitment to integrating citizen feedback into policy decisions.
To further enhance citizen engagement, the government has developed several digital tools. These include an e-consultation platform for public consultations, an advisory voting system called the citizen’s voice, and the EkfraCy platform, which allows young people to submit proposals. Additionally, the online platform diakivernisi.gov.cy enables citizens to track the progress of government actions and policies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Christodoulides expressed a commitment to keeping citizens informed about government plans and actions. He stated, “We will also say what we will implement in the coming year so that every citizen knows what we have said and can check whether we have implemented everything we have promised.”
While acknowledging the challenges facing democracy, including public skepticism and the evolving relationship between citizens and politics, Christodoulides asserted that he does not believe democracy is in decline. Instead, he views it as being tested. He pointed out the need for institutions to adapt and respond to the real needs and concerns of society.
“The greatest current challenge is to ensure that democracy not only monitors the developments of the digital age but also adapts and utilizes the possibilities it offers,” he noted. Christodoulides emphasized that the digital age presents new opportunities for more direct and meaningful citizen participation, which can help bridge the gap between democracy and the public.
In conclusion, President Christodoulides reiterated his belief that enhancing citizen participation, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accountability are essential to addressing the growing concerns among citizens that their voices are not being heard. He underscored the importance of making decisions transparently and inclusively, stating, “I truly believe that greater citizen participation is the answer to society’s growing, and often justified, sense that decisions are being made behind closed doors, away from them.”
These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to fostering a more participatory democracy in Cyprus, aiming to empower citizens and enhance their role in the decision-making process.