Regarding Averof Neophytou’s proposal to reconsider the sanctions against Russia, AKEL’s preparations for the 2028 presidential election, and the events at the Bi-communal Peace Festival in Pyla, AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou.
Appearing as a guest on the “Alpha News” program, he made it clear that AKEL has not asked Averof Neophytou for anything, nor is there anything it needs to reciprocate, while noting that the party’s priority is to establish programmatic common ground and seek partnerships for the elections, before discussing specific candidates.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Response to Averof’s Proposal
When asked to comment on Averof Neophytou’s proposal to reconsider and lift the energy sanctions against Russia, the AKEL Secretary-General distinguished his party’s position from the approach presented by the former DISY president.
Stefanos Stefanou reiterated that AKEL has not taken the position of lifting the sanctions, but maintains that the European Union should focus on finding a political and diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine. As he noted, the sanctions are also weighing on European economies, with the consequences being felt in the cost of living and social policies. He argued, however, that lifting the sanctions alone would not resolve the inflation problems, noting that the recent rise in prices is also linked to developments in the Middle East.
At the same time, he raised the issue of defending the vital interests of the Republic of Cyprus in European discussions, pointing out that Cyprus faces the problem of the Turkish occupation and must advance its own priorities. “Do you maintain consistency and stability, or do you say different things whenever there are elections?” he remarked.
When asked whether Averof Neophytou is attempting to appeal to a broader audience beyond the traditional center-right, Mr. Stefanou replied: “We didn’t ask Mr. Neophytou for anything, and we have nothing to give in return.” He added that AKEL operates based on political criteria and aims to establish a common programmatic framework with other parties, upon which a joint candidate could be supported. At the same time, he criticized Mr. Neophytou, arguing that his current positions should be evaluated in light of his participation in the decade-long Anastasiades-DISY coalition government.
Presidential Race: Rumors Swirl Around Mavroyiannis and Yiasemidis
Regarding AKEL’s plans for the 2028 presidential election, Stefanos Stefanou rejected criticism that the party is dragging its feet, emphasizing that there is a specific roadmap in place. As he explained, AKEL is prioritizing contacts with other parties and organized groups first, with the aim of determining whether there is common ground on key political and programmatic issues. Discussions regarding specific individuals, he noted, will follow once the conditions for cooperation have been established.
Referring to the names that have been mentioned—including former Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis and economist Tasos Yiasemidis— he clarified that the party has not yet begun sounding out potential candidates. Regarding Mr. Yiasemides, he noted that they have never met, although he is familiar with his writings. Regarding Andreas Mavrogiannis, he noted that he can neither rule him out nor endorse him at this stage, as discussions with other parties have not yet been concluded.
The AKEL Secretary-General emphasized that names are being mentioned and will continue to be mentioned, as the presidential election cannot take place without a candidate. However, as he noted, the party has not yet entered the phase of sounding out potential candidates. He also left open the possibility that the candidate AKEL will support could be a woman, clarifying that no such restrictions have been imposed.
What Happened at the Festival in Pyla
Stefanos Stefanou also made special mention of his presence at the Festival in Pyla, where he sat at the same table with the two leaders. Describing the atmosphere of the meeting, he noted that the two sides were conversing and that there was a convivial atmosphere, with jokes being exchanged. As he said, the positive atmosphere was not limited to the leaders’ table but was also evident throughout the festival grounds.
He noted that he had the opportunity to speak with Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, and foreign visitors—including British nationals—who were enjoying the event. “Everyone was having a great time and saying, ‘Why can’t Cyprus be like this?’” he noted.
He was quick, however, to point out that the positive atmosphere and human interaction do not negate the difficulties that still exist regarding the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that significant issues remain that must be addressed as part of efforts to resume negotiations.
