Odysseas Michaelides announces new political movement Alma

Former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides has announced the formation of a new political movement called Alma. The movement plans to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in May. Michaelides stated that the goal is to implement institutional reforms to address what he describes as state inefficiency and corruption. His proposed platform includes limiting the powers of the President of the Republic and establishing stricter criteria for the appointment of independent officials. He further advocates for prohibiting the appointment of former politicians or party officials to independent state positions, citing past appointments by the Anastasiades administration as examples. Additionally, the movement aims to strengthen parliamentary oversight and reorganize the civil service and semi-governmental organizations to improve efficiency. Michaelides emphasizes his experience as Auditor General, noting that he spent a decade in the position before being dismissed. The movement seeks to transition the state toward a more transparent and functional model for its citizens.