The decision to publish the Philelefthera magazine was born out of the need to fill a significant gap in the public debate in Cyprus regarding the promotion and defence of liberal ideas.
Although liberalism in Europe has been the dominant philosophical and ideological trend, which, along with the advent of Enlightenment, shaped the framework of the modern nation-state and liberal democracy, its impact has been irrefutably limited on Cypriot society. It can even be argued that many of Cyprus’ socio-political deficiencies biggest issues today are associated with the weak impact of liberal ideas.
Social stereotypes that hinder state reform and progress, as well as ideological anchors that negatively affect the country's foreign policy, are largely related to the absence of a liberal political culture and the weak influence of liberal ideas in the Cypriot political system.
Thus, the present magazine aims to introduce to its readers the great ideas of liberalism, but above all to bring liberal political thought to public debate, linking the world of ideas to the practice of politics, from social issues and the economy to gender equality, the environment and democracy.
The magazine hosts texts that are based on a liberal approach, without, however, imposing restrictions on the expression of opinions. Defending liberalism means defending the difference in opinions and freedom of choice, insofar as it does not harm the rights of others.
Our ambition is for this magazine to be established as a forum for the expression of liberal political thought in Cyprus and for the promotion of liberal principles and values such as individual freedom, social justice, pluralism, tolerance and rationalism.
