Christos Christou is marking 18 years at the helm of the National Popular Front this year, who so far appears to be the only candidate interested in leading the party in the internal elections to be held before the end of 2026.
Appearing as a guest on the “Alpha News” program, he stated that the process is “underway” through the relevant Electoral Commission, which will schedule both the district assemblies and the pan-Cypriot assembly. A possible date for the district assemblies is October 24, 2026. When asked if he was concerned that a new leadership might “alter” the party’s aims and objectives, he replied that “the party is not seeking either an ideological or a political identity,” though he did not rule out internal debates and disagreements.
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“We have made no secret of our goal to participate in the executive branch. It is inconceivable that a political force would want to remain on the sidelines simply to oppose the other political forces. The ‘protest party’ label was imposed on us; it was not something we sought. We are not a protest party, and I’m glad this was made clear in the previous parliamentary elections: there were many parties that labeled themselves as anti-establishment and claimed to be fighting the system. Some made it into Parliament; others did not. We have a clear political line, and we will stand against anyone—whether inside or outside the government—who holds a view contrary to ours.”
The ELAM President also expressed the view that “it is far too early” for any discussion of the 2028 presidential election, especially while issues such as pensions and immigration remain unresolved.
“We’ll wear the citizens out if we start talking about the next presidential election right now. Besides, Parliament has only just begun to function effectively following the elections. Once the internal party elections are over and the leadership for the District Councils and Secretariats has been determined, then we will make our decisions regarding the presidential race, taking into account all the facts and circumstances facing our country. This is not a time when we can afford to make political mistakes. We are in a region in the midst of conflicts and developments in Europe, and in a part of the world where security issues have changed.”
When asked if there is “flirting” between ELAM and the President’s Office regarding continued support for the government, Mr. Christou maintained that such “flirtation” “refers to a different kind of social engagement, and I prefer to avoid that term.”
“ELAM is monitoring the situation and taking a stance. Many times we have even stood alone in our support of decisions that were made. On the other hand, we will support the government where it is doing the right thing.”
Christos Christou did not hide his concern about the phenomenon of leaks from the House of Representatives, citing the controversial issue of the new presidential limousine as an example, and wondered what would happen if the matter concerned the Parliamentary Committee on Defense.
“Will that be okay? Will there be no problem?”
At the same time, he reveals that so far he has not spoken with anyone regarding the upcoming presidential elections and points out that political parties have already excluded ELAM from the dialogue.
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