Yiannis Armeftis Advocates for Comprehensive Municipal Reform
At the Cyprus Forum Cities 2024, Yiannis Armeftis, an architect with his eyes set on the Limassol mayoral seat, shared his comprehensive vision for the city’s future. His discourse centered on the transformative potential of city administration and its profound influence on the daily lives of citizens.
Armeftis, who has been a vocal advocate for local government reform, reiterated his commitment to institutional changes that promise to enhance the quality of life in Limassol. He underscored the importance of a well-functioning city administration, stating, “The extent to which cities facilitate or hinder their residents and enhance their quality of life is undoubtedly influenced by their administrations.”
The mayoral candidate highlighted the strategic benefits of integrating surrounding areas into a unified Limassol municipality. This approach aims to pool shared resources and foster the creation of urban plans that are comprehensive and inclusive. “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,” he elaborated.
Armeftis also addressed the need for greater autonomy in local governance, advocating for the devolution of power and resources to local governments. He emphasized the impact of effective city administration on residents’ quality of life, supporting institutional changes and proposed local government reforms. “Local Government can only be beneficial if it is truly autonomous,” he asserted, highlighting the need for competencies to be shifted from central to municipal administrations.
In his call to action, Armeftis urged future municipal leaders to govern with foresight and accountability. He stressed the importance of competence and long-term planning as foundational elements for securing greater authority and funding for municipalities. With such strategies in place, he believes municipal demands for increased power will be legitimate and justifiable.
As Limassol looks towards its future, Yiannis Armeftis stands as a proponent for change, championing a vision where city administration is not only responsive but also responsible for elevating the standard of living for all its residents through thoughtful municipal reform.
