Journalists made a critical and valuable contribution to informing the public about parliamentary work, House Speaker Annita Demetriou said in a message of thanks to media representatives ahead of Thursday’s dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Thanking journalists for what she described as productive cooperation between parliament and the media during the 12th legislative term, Demetriou expressed her respect for the work carried out by media representatives.
“Your contribution to informing the people about parliamentary work, explaining complex issues and presenting them fairly has been critical and beneficial not only for the House, but more broadly for democracy in our country,” she said.
She also said the House’s work had been wide-ranging and beneficial for Cypriot society as a whole, adding that parliament had successfully carried out its constitutional responsibilities in legislating, scrutinising the executive branch and conducting parliamentary diplomacy.
She added that the House had also developed notable activity in areas directly linked to its communication with citizens through conferences, events, publications and other initiatives.
Demetriou said that trust in state institutions was a fundamental condition for democratic functioning.
“Without trust, the social and political legitimacy of decisions cannot be secured. This is why continuous accountability, transparency, credibility and knowledge of how institutions and decision-making processes work are required,” she said.
Referring to the work of journalists, she said the House had made a conscious effort to facilitate reporting and strengthen access to parliamentary activity.
“We upgraded online briefings and the institution’s wider digital presence, improved the House’s material and technological infrastructure, and developed sincere, continuous and two-way communication with you,” she said.
She also pointed to the recent decision to livestream the proceedings of parliamentary committees online.
Source: CNA