AKEL ends 15-year cooperation with MP Irene Charalambidou

AKEL has officially terminated its 15-year political partnership with MP Irene Charalambidou following a decision by the party's Political Bureau. General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou cited the party's three-term limit policy and Charalambidou's rejection of non-parliamentary roles as primary reasons for the split. The party leadership requested that she return her parliamentary seat, accusing her of political opportunism and potential defection to the 'ALMA' movement led by Odysseas Michaelides. Charalambidou, who serves as an independent collaborator rather than a party member, refused to vacate her seat and criticized the party's rhetoric. AKEL officials also pointed to her perceived lack of support during the last presidential elections as a factor in the breakdown of trust. While the party emphasizes institutional discipline and the fact that most MPs respect term limits, Charalambidou highlights her status as a top vote-getter in multiple elections. Reports suggest she intends to run for re-election with a different political formation, while AKEL maintains that parliamentary seats belong to the party structure.