cyprus politics — cyprus politics — Scandals are destabilising the Cypriot political landscape as traditional parties lose ground to anti-establishment newcomers. Recent controversies, including the infamous “Emily Thompson” video leak and ongoing criminal investigations into high-ranking officials, have left the electorate in a state of flux. The far-right party ELAM is emerging as a potential kingmaker, while fresh political movements led by Odysseas Michaelides and MEP Fidias Panayiotou are reshaping the electoral environment.
MEP Fidias Panayiotou is currently facing significant challenges, including a probe by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office concerning the misuse of parliamentary funds. This scrutiny is compounded by a backlash following his use of a slur to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, which has drawn sharp criticism from opponents, particularly the AKEL party. AKEL is anxious about retaining its working-class base as Panayiotou’s populist messaging gains traction, further complicating the political scene.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Rally (DISY) is contending with its own internal strife as it gears up for a Supreme Council meeting in February aimed at managing the fallout from the Nikos Sykas and Phedon Phedonos cases. This turmoil within DISY highlights the broader instability affecting traditional parties as they attempt to navigate through a landscape increasingly dominated by new political forces.
The political centre is equally fragmented. Leaders of DIKO recently voted to remain in the government, narrowly defeating a motion to exit amidst the fallout from the video leak. The party’s internal disagreements are exacerbated by speculation of a potential alliance with DISY, leaving many uncertain about its future direction. In a bold move, Odysseas Michaelides has reignited his “Alma” movement, leading to tensions with the Greens over alleged candidate poaching.
Despite the cascade of scandals, government approval ratings have surprisingly remained stagnant. As of January 2026, approximately 68% of the public expressed dissatisfaction, a figure that has not significantly shifted since 2023. The upcoming elections pose a considerable threat to the old guard, especially with the emergence of new parties like Christoforos Tornaritis’s “Sikou Pano,” which could further disrupt the status quo.
