Architect and candidate for Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis, outlined his vision for the city’s future and his commitment to local government reform.
Speaking at a panel discussion during Cyprus Forum Cities 2024 on Friday, Armeftis emphasised the transformative impact that effective city administration can have on the quality of life for its residents.
Highlighting the importance of institutional changes, Armeftis expressed his support for the proposed local government reforms, which he has championed since announcing his bid.
“The extent to which cities facilitate or hinder their residents and enhance their quality of life is undoubtedly influenced by their administrations,” he noted.
The mayoral hopeful detailed the benefits of including neighbouring areas in a unified Limassol municipality, aiming to leverage shared resources and create comprehensive, inclusive urban plans. “A plan for the entire area, without exclusions due to unequal funding, and always in collaboration with the first and second levels of Local Government,” Armeftis explained, envisioning a cohesive strategy for city development.
He also called for the devolution of more power and resources to local governments to ensure their autonomy and effectiveness. “Local Government can only be beneficial if it is truly autonomous,” he declared, underscoring the necessity of transferring competencies from central to municipal administrations for more responsive, localised governance.
Armeftis urged potential municipal leaders to govern with vision and responsibility. “Competence and long-term planning are necessary,” he stated, pushing for well-founded strategies that would affirm the legitimacy of municipal demands for greater authority and funding.
Read more:
