7 August 2025 - Crisis management or image management?
The recent deadly fires leave a crucial question for every citizen: What went wrong with the management of the crisis and who can guarantee that it will not happen again? Unfortunately, neither the debate in Parliament, nor the decision of the President of the Republic to call in an American team (ATF) reassures citizens.
The invitation of the American ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) team to Cyprus to investigate arson may provide some technical assistance, but it does not address the essence of the problem: the catastrophic consequences arise not only from how fires start, but mainly from how the state fails to prevent, coordinate and manage them. It would have been wiser to have invited experts who could have focused on what went wrong and how we can prevent future disasters.
The government, instead of focusing on strengthening prevention, coordination and operational capabilities, chooses to shift responsibility elsewhere, diverting public debate. Even in the case of malicious actions, state inaction remains unjustified. Cyprus must use the multitude of mechanisms within the EU for best practices in preventing and responding to forest fires. And the use of European experience and know-how is essential.
When our land burns, it is everyone’s business. And when lives are at risk, political expediency must not take precedence over the duty to protect.
Our position is clear: The protection of life, natural wealth and our communities is above all partisan hypocrisy and political inaction.
Volt will continue to advocate for a modern, European model of fire safety with transparency, independent oversight and specific performance indicators, and with funding directed towards prevention and not just rehabilitation. It requires decisive management of illegal dumpsites - which can no longer be the sole burden of communities, activation of preventive measures and a demand for the implementation of Cypriot legislation on all issues that indirectly affect the preparedness of the competent state institutions.