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- He said the UN Secretary-General’s visit confirmed work continues within the agreed Cyprus negotiating framework, despite Turkey’s two-state and sovereign-equality positions.
- Christodoulides said he is fully ready to attend an expanded conference, which he believes should result in resuming negotiations.
- He plans to request a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader in August and said electricity prices, pension reform and anti-corruption measures remain government priorities.
- The President said the government reshuffle will be announced when ready, and he will decide on a 2028 candidacy in 2027.
In a wide-ranging interview with ANT1, President Nikos Christodoulides outlined his plans for the coming months, focusing on the Cyprus issue, domestic governance priorities, the expected government reshuffle and his intentions ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
The President said August would be a busy month, with diplomatic and domestic developments expected as efforts continue towards convening an expanded conference on the Cyprus issue.
Ready for expanded Cyprus conference
Speaking to Elli Kotzamani, President Christodoulides described United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ recent visit to Cyprus as particularly important.
He referred to Mr Guterres’ public remarks on the existing negotiating framework and areas of convergence, saying they addressed Turkey’s long-standing positions on a two-state solution and sovereign equality.
According to the President, the UN’s statements confirmed that efforts continue within the agreed framework.
“We are fully ready, whenever the Secretary-General considers it appropriate, to attend such a conference,” Mr Christodoulides said.
He stressed that for an expanded conference to be considered successful, it should lead to the announcement of a resumption of negotiations.
The President said the United Nations had already begun preparatory work and was recording convergences in key chapters, including governance, territory, property, security and guarantees.
He explained that identifying remaining differences would help create the basis for a new negotiating process.
Meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader expected
Mr Christodoulides also revealed that he plans to request a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader within August, to continue discussions on issues raised during the meeting with Antonio Guterres.
He also stressed the need for greater public information on the Cyprus issue, while highlighting the European Union’s role and the appointment of EU Special Representative Raffaele Fitto.
Electricity prices remain government priority
On domestic governance, the President identified reducing electricity prices as a key government priority.
He announced that the creation of an electricity storage system would begin this year, which he said would contribute to addressing energy challenges.
He also referred to developments concerning the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection project, saying he had reached an agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to update relevant studies.
Further details, he said, are expected in the coming days.
Pension reform and anti-corruption measures
The President said the government was at an advanced stage regarding pension reform.
The priority, he explained, was a substantial increase in low pensions, expressing hope that the relevant bill would not remain before Parliament for months.
Regarding corruption, Mr Christodoulides pointed to the strengthening of the Independent Authority Against Corruption.
On the rule of law, he said two European Commission recommendations concerning the executive branch would be advanced.
No justification for wildfire deaths
Asked about last year’s deadly wildfires, the President acknowledged that “there is no justification” for the loss of two lives.
He said improvements had since been made to the civil protection system.
Regarding this year’s fire in Kalo Chorio, he referred to the ongoing investigation into possible responsibilities involving the National Guard.
Reshuffle will be announced when ready
On the expected government reshuffle, Mr Christodoulides said it “is not announced, it is revealed”.
He referred to Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou’s decision to step down and said decisions would be made at the appropriate time.
The President explained that recent developments regarding the UN Secretary-General’s visit and the Cyprus issue had meant the reshuffle was not the government’s immediate priority.
Decision on 2028 elections in 2027
Asked about the 2028 presidential elections, Mr Christodoulides said he would make his decision during 2027 after assessing progress in implementing his pre-election programme.
He described the programme as a “social contract with the Cypriot people”.
The President also called on Parliament not to allow the upcoming election climate to affect cooperation with the government.
He added that he does not need “political crutches” but seeks cooperation through dialogue.
Also read: Government: “We have political will to resume talks even tomorrow”
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