Following AKEL and the “Alma” Movement, is today demanding answers from the government regarding the public allegations made by former Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou concerning political interference in the project for the liquefaction terminal in Vasil, which are causing cost overruns and delays.
In a statement, it notes that “the public statements by former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou regarding political interference and vested interests that affected the implementation of the natural gas terminal in Vasiliko raiseserious questions.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Mr. Papanastasiou is not an independent observer. He served as Minister of Energy in the Christodoulides government, with direct responsibility for this specific project. Consequently, his statements cannot be treated as a general critique of the state’s shortcomings.
The President of the Republic must clarify whether he was informed of such interventions, what actions were taken to address them, and to what extent they influenced the decisions and progress of the project. At the same time, the former Minister must provide specific details regarding his allegations and make all available evidence available to the competent authorities.
A project so critical to the country’s energy security cannot remain overshadowed by unspecified allegations. Specific facts, a thorough investigation, and accountability are needed.”
READ ALSO: AKEL Calls for Investigation into Papanastasiou’s Statements: What Did the Former Minister Alleg about Vasilikos That “Raise Unanswered Questions”?
What Papanastasiou Said
Appearing as a guest on the “Tsouroullis Unsensored” podcast, Mr. Papanastasiou stated, in particular, that “Both politics and vested interests create obstacles to the implementation of infrastructure projects, because one party wants you to give it to A, while another wants you to give it to B.”
He further argued that, in addition to the time-consuming procedures of the public sector, various types of interference can hinder the completion of critical infrastructure projects. “And these are the results of Vasilikos,” he pointed out emphatically.
DIPA: Clear Answers Are Needed Regarding “Prometheus”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party expresses its deep concern over the ongoing delays in the utilization of the “Prometheus” floating natural gas unit, “which remains in Malaysia, costing the public treasury approximately €345,000 per month.”
“It is particularly problematic that, despite the significant cost and the time that has elapsed, the vessel still cannot be put to commercial use, as necessary tests and technical procedures remain pending. This situation cannot continue indefinitely. At a time when households and businesses are facing high energy costs, the completion of the natural gas infrastructure is an economic and strategic priority for the country.”
The Democratic Party calls on the relevant Ministry and ETYFA “to present a specific and realistic timeline for completing the necessary procedures, putting the ship into operation, and advancing the work at Vasilikos. At the same time, full transparency is required regarding the total cost, the alternative options, and the measures being taken to limit the financial burden.”
“Cyprus cannot afford further delays in a project so critical to its energy security and competitiveness. What is needed now are concrete decisions, effective management, and measurable results.”
