AKEL has sharply criticised MP Irene Charalambidou, describing her recent statements about potentially contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections with another party as “unethical and offensive to the party’s supporters.”
The party’s Political Office stressed that her stance positions her against AKEL and effectively removes her from the AKEL parliamentary group.
Term limits and party framework
AKEL reminded the public that the party imposes parliamentary term limits. Since 1991, the limit has been three terms, recently reduced to two during the 2023 Statutory Congress, with exceptions only for senior party leaders for a single additional term. AKEL noted that these rules exist to ensure continuity within the party while allowing new leaders to emerge. Several senior and respected members have completed their service in line with these limits.
Proposal for continued collaboration
In response to Charalambidou’s position, AKEL offered her a leadership role at an Observatory on Corruption and Malpractice, an area in which she has shown significant engagement. The party also expressed readiness to consider any alternative proposals she might have to continue collaboration, highlighting their long-standing support even during moments when she opposed the party’s position, such as during the last presidential elections.
Since Charalambidou rejected the proposal and offered no counterproposal, AKEL stated that discussions have concluded. The party stressed that political ethics require adherence to party decisions and that parliamentary seats ultimately belong to the party.
Principles over personal ambition
AKEL emphasised that the party does not serve individual careers or opportunistic agendas. “Politics is a matter of principles, not just parliamentary action,” the statement said. “Without principles, politics and Parliament risk becoming a pre-election transfer market, where party affiliation changes according to personal ambition.” The party highlighted that collective action, consistency of goals, and adherence to political ethics are essential to maintaining public trust.
Preparing for critical elections
Looking ahead, AKEL noted that Cyprus faces a highly critical electoral cycle amid significant national challenges. “Our message is clear: In the upcoming parliamentary elections, no one is expendable. The people of the Left will defend the Party and its dignity once more. Only a strong AKEL ensures hope for the country and society in these very critical conditions,” the statement concluded.
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