After more than a decade of efforts we have succeeded in establishing a new, modern and improved legislative framework for the local administration, Minister of Interior Nicos Nouris said on Wednesday, addressing an information day on the implementation of the new legislative framework for the Local Government Reform, which he described as one of the most important reforms since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Saying that the next, more promising day for the local administration in Cyprus is here, Nouris thanked the President and the members of the House Committee on Internal Affairs, the Presidents and members of the Unions of Cyprus Municipalities and Communities as well as his team at the Ministry for the excellent cooperation towards achieving this goal.

"After more than a decade of efforts, discussions and consultations, we have succeeded, all of us, in establishing a new, modern and improved legislative framework, which was voted by the House of Representatives last March," he went on to say.

Nouris said in his address that there is no doubt that the reform of local government is one of the most important reforms since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, adding that this was a reform which the government has consistently pursued, considering it as its top priority.

He said that there is a lot that needs to be done in the transition period until May 2024, noting that the Ministry will strictly adhere to the time frames so as to be ready to achieve a smooth transition to the new institutional framework.

"The first step was made. The government of President Anastasiades has kept its commitments," he concluded.