Marinos Sizopoulos has formally announced his intention to step down as president of EDEK after a decade at the helm, clarifying that his departure is not a resignation but a structured transition of power.
Speaking on SIGMA’s Protoselido programme, Sizopoulos explained “This is not a resignation. If it were, I would be stepping down immediately and replaced by the deputy president until elections. What I’m doing is handing over leadership to whoever the party members elect.”
He emphasised that the decision reflects his longstanding support for term limits in political office—a policy he helped introduce.
“I was elected on 1 March 2015. A full decade has passed. To remain honest and credible, I believe I must step aside through a democratic process.”
Timeline for leadership elections
According to Sizopoulos, the party’s Central Committee has already activated the relevant constitutional provisions:
Within 7 days: the party registry will be submitted to the Ethics Committee, which will oversee the elections.
By 5 May: deadline for presidential nominations.
On 1 June: party members will vote for the new president.
By 15 May: nominations for all other leadership roles.
After the presidential election, the Central Committee will vote on these remaining posts.
Remaining politically active
Sizopoulos made clear he is not leaving EDEK or politics. He will remain an active member of the Central Committee, Secretariat, and Political Bureau, and will continue as the party’s parliamentary spokesperson until the end of the current House term.
“As long as I’m mentally and physically capable, I won’t be leaving either EDEK or medicine,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the moral weight of his choice: “If you’re going to ask others to step aside after a decade, you can’t exclude yourself. You have to set the example.”
More resignations followed
News of his departure was described by party members as a “bolt from the blue,” as there had been no discussion or indication foretelling this development. Consequently, there is currently no clear picture of who might put themselves forward as a candidate to succeed him.
Despite persistent calls from some officials for him to reconsider, Mr Sizopoulos appears to remain resolute in his decision. Immediately following his announcement, the rest of the leadership team also tendered their resignations: Deputy President Maria Vasileiadou and the party’s three Vice Presidents.
Ms Vasileiadou stated on national television that the decision was a collective one, aimed at a complete renewal of the leadership, in line with the President’s proposal.
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