Edek party sets goals for May 24 legislative elections

Nikos Anastasiou, president of the EDEK party, has publicly stated that the primary objective for the upcoming legislative elections on May 24 is the preservation and strengthening of the party's parliamentary presence. Anastasiou aims to secure four seats in the new parliament despite internal challenges and the departure of several members. He claimed that the party has successfully addressed internal friction since he assumed the presidency last summer, leading to the return of hundreds of previously alienated members. Regarding policy, the party leader emphasizes social issues such as increasing low pensions and strengthening the national defense of the Republic of Cyprus. On the Cyprus issue, Anastasiou reaffirmed EDEK's support for a European-based solution, explicitly calling for the removal of occupation troops, the abolition of guarantees, and the exclusion of permanent derogations from the European acquis. He also highlighted the party's intention to re-examine the status of the British Bases. Finally, he stated that the party maintains a nuanced relationship with the Christodoulides government, balancing internal party unity with political pragmatism.