Fidias Panayiotou, leader of the Direct Democracy of Cyprus, has accused President Nikos Christodoulides of electoral interference following comments made during a recent interview.
- Fidias Panayiotou, leader of the Direct Democracy of Cyprus, has accused President Nikos Christodoulides of electoral interference following comments made during a recent interview.
In a video response shared on social media on Friday, Panayiotou targeted remarks made by Christodoulides during an interview with Alpha TV, where the president discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections and the composition of the national council.
Christodoulides stated, “the government is not involved in the elections,” but added that “some are attempting to completely discredit the institutions, so that they can take advantage of a situation that is being created and present themselves as the saviours of the country.” This statement, according to Panayiotou, indirectly criticises his party and its intentions.
Addressing the president directly in his video, Panayiotou stated, “Mr Christodoulides, I want to tell you not to worry and we will be much more responsible than you imagine in the national council.” He challenged the president’s assertion of non-interference, remarking, “You said you would not take a position, yet your words say otherwise.”
Panayiotou further emphasised that his movement is not pursuing a confrontational stance with the government, expressing, “When we enter parliament, we will not be against you, we will work together for the good of Cyprus.” This indicates a willingness to collaborate despite the current tensions between the two political figures.
The issue of electoral interference was also addressed during a briefing at the Presidential Palace, where government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis dismissed the accusations. “The president has no involvement in the pre-election process and makes no reference to any political force,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s position on maintaining neutrality in the electoral campaign.
Letymbiotis added, “society is the supreme judge” and affirmed the government’s respect for the will of the people, highlighting a commitment to democratic processes amidst the ongoing political discourse.
