Key reforms in the Audit and Law Office of the Republic and the Central Bank, the creation of medical care emergency units, timely payment of Social Insurance Benefits, and the expansion of child benefits eligibility are among the actions announced by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, presenting the government’s annual programme for 2025 at the Presidential Palace, on Wednesday evening.

The President noted that the health sector holds a dominant position, with an emphasis on prevention and the equal and uninterrupted provision of quality health services through a resilient and effective General Health System.

As he said, achieving this goal requires the optimal functioning of public hospitals and their financial and administrative autonomy. In this context, a developmental program is being implemented for the modernization of public hospitals in all districts, focusing on the Emergency Departments, with projects worth €128 million.

Specifically, regarding the challenges faced by the Emergency Departments, the President announced the commencement of preparatory work for the creation of medical care emergency units, which will treat cases that require immediate but not urgent care, aiming to easing the workload the Emergency Departments have on a daily base.

Regarding more effective management of resources, President Christodoulides spoke about the utilization of technology and strengthening on-site inspections, through the enhanced role of the Ministry of Health. As part of this effort, significant steps include the creation of the National Clinical Documentation Center and the appointment of the Patient’s Advocate.

Additionally, he said that in 2025, the creation of the National Cancer Institute would proceed, and the National Prevention Strategy would be implemented through the expansion of population screening programs for prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer, as well as for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children.

At the same time, the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Pediatric Oncology Clinic will begin, costing over €8.5 million, which will significantly enhance the services provided.

As part of modernizing the social benefits policy, President Christodoulides announced the expansion of eligibility for child benefits, covering the entire middle class. With this measure, an additional 16,000 children will automatically benefit from the Tuition and Child Feeding Subsidy Scheme, covering up to 80% of daycare tuition fees.

Also, special legislation will be advanced for issues concerning individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the President announced the disconnection of disability benefits from the Minimum Guaranteed Income, resulting in an increase in beneficiaries and benefits, fulfilling, as he said, a long-standing and just demand of the people with disabilities.

As part of the policy for the elderly, the President referred to the Home Support Program for the Elderly. “This is an important action that promotes intergenerational coexistence and interaction through a structured program within the social contribution framework of universities”, he said.

As part of the digital transformation, the President announced that, as of March, all Social Insurance Department benefits will be paid within 30 days.

The President noted that 2025 is a milestone year for the implementation of two emblematic institutional reforms: the modernization of the Law Office and Audit Service. “We are implementing two bold reforms that modernize our state”, he said, adding that in the same context, the reform of the governance of the Central Bank is underway, following the example of other central banks in the euro system.

Regarding the governance of Semi-Government Organizations, the President announced plans to strengthen them by upgrading service quality, fiscal management, and investment policy, with particular emphasis on organizations engaged in commercial activity.

He also announced the establishment of a Long-Term Planning Unit, which, in collaboration with the academic community and the private sector, will operate as a Strategic Analysis and Forecasting Center, identifying future challenges and opportunities through the study of global trends and technological changes.

President Christodoulides said that the government will proceed with the introduction of 60 new electronic services, such as, application for student sponsorship, re-issuance of refugee identity cards, electronic registration of an employer, application for employment of third-country nationals, application for renewal of temporary residence permits for employees of foreign-owned companies and domestic workers and the electronic registration of children in schools at all levels.

The President said that the “Digital Citizen” and "Digital Assistance" platforms will be enhanced with more services.

"We proceed with a plan for the development of innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions to address challenges in the public sector, while providing opportunities for innovative businesses and research institutions to develop solutions," he pointed out.

The President also referred to urban planning permits, recalling that as from October 2, 2024, urban planning permits for up to two residences are now issued in 20 days. He announced that from February 1, building permits will also be issued in 20 days and as a result all permits for up to two residences will now be issued in 40 days.

He also announced that in March, the fast and automatic licensing system will be extended to medium-scale developments, such as apartment buildings with up to 20 apartments, with the automatic issuance of urban planning and building permits within 80 days.

He said that within the framework of the Digital Transformation, from March, all social benefits of the Department of Social Insurance will be paid within 30 days.

"The transformation of the state, through the promotion of bold reforms, is the best way to upgrade the relationship between the citizens and the state. We want our country to be a modern state, efficient, with credibility and dignity both internally and internationally," he concluded.