Just a few hours before the polls open at EDEK to elect a new president, who will lead the Social Democratic Movement at the December electoral convention to select officials for its governing bodies, the three candidates—Sofia Christodoulou Makri, George Kouttoukis, and Koulis Mavronikolas, presented their positions, proposals, and views on the present and future of the historic party, which failed to win seats in Parliament, faces serious financial problems, and is plagued by internal strife and conflicts.
Ms. Makri rejected claims that she is being manipulated and directed by others in order to place the leadership of EDEK in their hands, and emphasized that for her, the key issueis the selection of a President who has a specific program and plan, as well as acceptance by the rank and file. She noted that she will prioritize the decisions of the 6th Pan-Cypriot Conference of EDEK, for holding open and transparent elections that demonstrate the leadership’s respect for the grassroots’ choices. When asked if she identifies any responsibilities or those responsible for the situation within EDEK, Ms. Makri replied that “people know what happened; they know what’s to blame.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
She expressed the view that “the rank and file fully understands,” while promising unity and hard work to “calm things down” and bring about collective renewal in the three months leading up to the Convention. He noted that the public has discernment, which has led them to turn their backs on EDEK, and they expect to see “something substantial” and “someone who can make a difference.” As he said, he has not consulted with anyone so far, prioritizing the party above all else rather than anyone’s personal gain. He explained that he deliberately avoids discussions and public statements, choosing instead to present his views to EDEK’s collective bodies.
Regarding the party’s finances, she promised to establish a team of experts and specialists to conduct a study on financial sustainability and the utilization of EDEK’s real estate assets “to the greatest extent possible,” noting that “outside Parliament, we suffer not only politically but also financially.” Ms. Makri emphasized that EDEK is at a “critical juncture” and highlighted the need for radical change, involving a “reassessment of all party officials” as well as the selection of new ones.
Mr. Kouttoukis promises that €150,000 in contributions from his business associates and personal friends will flow into EDEK’s coffers, within just one and a half months of his election as party president. At the same time, he claims to be very familiar with the financial problems facing the party, due to his previous tenure on EDEK’s Finance Committee under Vassos Lyssarides, during which he managed the party’s real estate assets, valued at €11 million.
He spoke of a “golden opportunity” for EDEK to get back on track if he is elected President and asked everyone to tone down their rhetoric, put an end to the inward-looking culture of the internet, and choose knowledge, determination, and experience. The next day at the helm of EDEK will find him convening the Presidential Council with the participation of local government leaders and other state officials, to whom he will send invitations by courier and contact by phone to tell them that in this way “we will be—and will appear to be—united.”
He also announced that all disgruntled members who are not currently part of EDEK will be able to return to the party within a month, without him having to contact anyone and without implementing any interventionist procedures. In this way, he believes he will avoid the mistake made by the Movement’s former President, Nikos Anastasiou, who had been in contact with individuals who told him they would return “if X or Y leaves.”
When asked about the allegations regarding the receipt of funds from EDEK, he replied that during his time with the party he had contributed over €34,000, from which he attempted to recover certain amounts.
Mr. Mavronikolas stated that he has been familiar with the political organization for 50 years and that, in his view, the challenge facing EDEK is to elect “a President who can handle the major problems.” He expressed the view that the party is at a critical juncture and that it does not need “experiments, factionalism, and divisions” that would lead to its dissolution.
He made it clear that he is not seeking any other office—whether ministerial or parliamentary— other than the presidency of EDEK, from which he will strive within three months to resolve problems through consensus and unity. He did not fail to condemn the “parade of former EDEK officials on Facebook,” where various opinions and complaints are voiced that are driving away even the 3% of the party’s remaining voters. His goal is to set things on an “evolutionary path” in which everyone will “feel like a family,” since he himself has no issues and has not fallen out with any of his rivals.
At the same time, he spoke of certain individuals who are eager to lead EDEK down a path of dissolution or merger with other political groups, noting that tomorrow’s result “will definitively determine” the fate of the Social Democratic Movement. He noted that democracy has rules and methods for resolving problems, which cannot be invented by the very person aiming to save the party.
His priorities are resolving financial problems, bringing back party officials, and ending the chaos, and he asked if there was anyone better than himself—someone with a “magic wand”—to be named so he could support them.
