Alma movement removes candidate Demetris Papadakis from electoral list

The Alma movement’s Executive Secretariat has removed former MEP and Nicosia parliamentary candidate Demetris Papadakis from its electoral list. This decision follows allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis regarding text messages purportedly exchanged between Papadakis and a former Supreme Court judge. The party leadership, led by Odysseas Michaelides, stated that the move is a political action to protect the movement's credibility and ensure transparency, rather than a legal judgment. Alma emphasized that it cannot demand a full investigation into potential judicial corruption while simultaneously defending a candidate directly involved in the controversy. Papadakis, who denies the authenticity of the messages and claims they are fabricated, stated that he lacked support from the party leadership during this process. Party representatives noted that while no criminal charges have been filed, the situation created an untenable conflict of interest. The movement maintains its demand for an objective investigation into the claims. Papadakis has since indicated that he does not intend to revisit his candidacy even if the allegations are cleared.