Heightened political friction in Cyprus ahead of elections

Two weeks before the elections, political discourse in Cyprus has intensified significantly with sharp exchanges between AKEL, DISY, DIKO, and ELAM. AKEL spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas accused DISY and DIKO of facilitating the rise of the far-right by allegedly seeking future cooperation with ELAM for the Speaker of the House position and the 2028 Presidential elections. AKEL further characterized the political establishment and the government of President Christodoulides as colluding with ELAM to marginalize the left. In response, DISY spokesperson Onouphrios Koullas rejected these claims, labeling AKEL’s rhetoric as outdated and demanding internal accountability from the opposition party. Simultaneously, ELAM launched its own critique against AKEL, arguing that the Communist party is preoccupied with ELAM’s growing electoral support. ELAM presented its platform, emphasizing migration control, housing, energy costs, and the promotion of a Western orientation for Cyprus. The exchanges reflect deeper power struggles between traditional political blocs as they position themselves for upcoming institutional roles and the next presidential cycle.