Political tensions rise in Cyprus over potential cooperation with ELAM

The political environment in Cyprus has become strained following statements by DISY president Annita Dimitriou and DIKO official Chrysanthos Pandelidis. The leftist party AKEL, through its spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas, has accused DISY and DIKO of attempting to form a political alliance with the far-right party ELAM. According to AKEL, this potential cooperation, aimed at securing the presidency of the House of Representatives, serves as a precursor for the 2028 presidential elections. AKEL claims that these actions facilitate the entry of the far-right into governance and characterizes the move as an attempt by the political establishment to consolidate power. Conversely, DISY and DIKO have defended their positions, emphasizing the importance of political strategy. AKEL has called upon the democratic public to oppose these developments, arguing that the proposed alliance serves the interests of banks and major business groups rather than society. The dispute underscores deepening divisions regarding ideological alliances and future governance strategies in the country.