With a cabinet reshuffle just around the corner, Makis Keravnos, in an exclusive interview with Alpha on Sunday, responds to reports that he is set to step down as Minister of Finance.

“I agreed to step up and help a new government, though that doesn’t mean I could stay on for the entire term. I think we need to remember that at some point, age becomes a factor, and we must give young people a chance—or rather, an opportunity.”

As he said, the matter falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the President of the Republic.

Electricity Interconnection

When asked to comment on the progress of the discussion regarding the Cyprus–Greece–Israel electricity interconnection project, Makis Keravnos explains that the government is awaiting the updated feasibility study and responds to ADMIE’s intention to request 1 billion for the project from the European Investment Bank.

“I think this forecast is very optimistic. As far as lending for development projects is concerned, we are among the countries that have the best working relationship with the European Investment Bank. And I am familiar with the procedures, rigorous checks, and methods it follows.”

READ ALSO: Keravnos: Perhaps the electrical interconnection with Israel should be established first

There is a discussion about establishing an interconnection with Israel first. Do you agree with that?

“I think it might be better to start the discussion precisely with this issue: the connection with Israel, because Israel has liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas.”

When asked if there are still investors interested in the project, the Minister pointed out that he has been hearing about interest from foreign investors for at least three years, but has not seen any concrete action.

Keravnos vs. Papadopoulos

Makis Keravnos also responded to the criticism leveled against him by Nikolas Papadopoulos—the president of his party—regarding his statements on the GSI.

“Mr. Papadopoulos said publicly that there are no studies and that the studies are nonsense. He never asked me to come here so I could show him the studies.”

He also comments on Nikolas Papadopoulos’s claim that the only DIKO ministers in the government are those of Energy and Health.

“That’s Mr. Papadopoulos’s issue, not mine. I know that I am a member of the Democratic Party and was, in fact, Chairman of the Research Committee. Beyond that, I don’t know why—perhaps it slipped Mr. Papadopoulos’s mind.”

Presidential Elections and Pledges

Responding to the tactic of making campaign promises ahead of the presidential election, the minister noted that the government has implemented a generous social policy exceeding 1 billion, and that just because the presidential election is approaching, it will not fall into the trap of handout politics.

Where will the presidential election find you… on the front lines or with your grandchildren?

“The presidential election will find me standing alongside the President, supporting this government. I believe that is my duty at this moment, and of course, one thing I’ve learned over so many years in politics is that in politics, you should never, ever say never.”