Odysseas Michaelides, leader of the Alma movement, says the party is seeking cooperation with opposition forces ahead of the next presidential election, while confirming that no discussions are taking place with Disy, Diko or Elam.
Speaking to Politis Radio, Michaelides said Alma is currently holding talks with Akel, Adamesi Dimokratia, Edek and the Green Party, and has also requested a meeting with Volt, from which it is awaiting a response.
Search for a common candidate
Michaelides said the priority is to identify a candidate who could secure the support of all participating parties.
According to him, the movement is looking for a strong, electable and reform-minded personality with a vision for change and a commitment to an open economy.
Referring to discussions with Akel, he said no specific names have yet been put forward, as talks have so far focused on defining the characteristics of a potential candidate.
A second meeting with Akel is expected before the end of November, with Michaelides expressing hope that possible candidates will be discussed at that stage.
Position on Disy and Edek
Michaelides argued that Disy cannot be regarded as an opposition party and said Alma's objective is to change the policies and practices that have prevailed in Cyprus over the past 15 years.
He added, however, that cooperation efforts are not based solely on ideological criteria, noting that Alma clearly supports an open economy.
Regarding Edek, he said cooperation could be possible but described the stance of the party's new leadership, particularly on remaining in government, as an important factor.
Why he rejects a Mavroyiannis candidacy
Asked about the possibility of a joint candidacy by Andreas Mavroyiannis, Michaelides said that although Mavroyiannis ran a strong campaign in 2023, he does not meet Alma's criteria for an independent candidate.
He pointed to Mavroyiannis' links with Akel and noted that he had publicly expressed a willingness to be considered by the party again.
Michaelides also confirmed that an independent Alma candidacy remains an alternative option, including the possibility of his own participation in the race.
Regarding Irene Charalambidou, he said she has already stated that she is not interested.
Pessimistic about Cyprus talks
On the Cyprus issue, Michaelides expressed pessimism about the prospects for a resumption of negotiations.
He argued that the government is projecting optimism without sufficient grounds and suggested that the current effort may be approaching its conclusion.
According to Michaelides, a negative outcome could discourage the next United Nations Secretary-General from launching a new initiative.
While acknowledging that Turkey continues to advocate a two-state solution, he criticised the government's handling of the issue, claiming it has allowed Turkey to avoid accountability.
Political equality and rotating presidency
Michaelides said that political equality means safeguarding the rights of both communities and ensuring effective participation in decision-making, rather than numerical equality.
He added that Alma has not adopted a predetermined position on a rotating presidency, arguing that any assessment would depend on the powers attached to the office, the functionality of the state and the broader security arrangements.
