AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou said the party remains on schedule in its preparations for Cyprus' 2028 presidential election, but stressed that discussions on a candidate are premature and that forging alliances must come first.
Speaking at AKEL's Famagusta district conference, Stefanou said almost 18 months remain before the election campaign enters its decisive stage and that the party is proceeding according to its plans.
Focus on cooperation
Stefanou said AKEL's immediate priority is to engage with political forces and organised groups that disagree with the government's policies and seek what he described as progressive change.
According to him, the objective is to identify common ground for cooperation ahead of the election, strengthening the prospects for both electoral success and the implementation of a shared political programme.
He added that discussions about a presidential candidate would take place at a later stage, once agreement had been reached on common policy objectives.
Criticism of early campaigning
The AKEL leader criticised what he described as an unusually early presidential campaign driven by partisan interests and personal ambitions.
He argued that political debate has become focused on behind-the-scenes manoeuvring and discussions over positions, rather than addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens, including high living costs, the housing crisis and inadequate incomes.
Stefanou also accused sections of the political establishment of prioritising political gain over public interest and referred to the influence of powerful interests and media owners in political decision-making.
Election results and party momentum
Referring to AKEL's performance in the recent parliamentary elections, Stefanou described the result as "excellent".
He highlighted a 2.2% increase in support in Famagusta district and a 3% rise in the free Famagusta area, arguing that the gains reflected the party's engagement with society and everyday concerns.
Cyprus problem remains central
Stefanou reiterated that a settlement of the Cyprus issue remains a core priority for AKEL.
He described Famagusta as a key component of any comprehensive solution and said the party would not accept partition or the permanent continuation of the status quo.
AKEL, he said, remains committed to a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, while emphasising the importance of preserving the existing negotiating framework, particularly as UN Secretary-General António Guterres approaches the end of his term.
Progressive change agenda
Outlining AKEL's priorities, Stefanou called for:
- Strengthening the social welfare system.
- Supporting workers' incomes and low-income pensioners.
- Enhancing labour rights.
- Tackling the housing and energy crises.
- Promoting an economic model that combines growth with environmental protection.
- Addressing water scarcity, energy challenges and waste management issues.
He also called for stronger rule of law, institutional reform and tougher action against corruption.
Foreign policy and far-right concerns
Stefanou advocated a multidimensional foreign policy based on international law and Cyprus' national interests.
He also accused the government and parties cooperating with it of tolerating the growing influence of the far right in centres of power, arguing that a progressive political change would reverse that trend.
Source: CNA
