Irene Charalambidou issued a detailed written statement after AKEL leadership removed her from the party’s parliamentary group, stressing that she never expressed an intention to become independent and that the decision belonged exclusively to the party leadership.
The MP said she served public life for 15 years guided by conscience and the interests of citizens, acknowledging that this stance created friction and political cost at times.
Service guided by conscience
Charalambidou expressed gratitude to supporters from the Left and to all citizens who trusted her, stating she will continue to serve every Cypriot regardless of party identity or position. She underlined that politicians must act for the broader public good, independent of partisan direction.
She added that AKEL leadership requested answers she could not provide at this stage, citing very serious personal matters that delay any decisions.
Meetings and lack of progress
According to Charalambidou, a proposal to continue cooperation remained vague despite two meetings held on 3 September 2025 and 4 February 2026. She said no progress followed during the five-month interval and she therefore asked for the proposal in writing after the latest meeting, which did not occur.
She reiterated that AKEL leadership decided to remove her from the parliamentary group and stressed again that she never sought independence.
Seat and political system
Referring to her parliamentary seat, Charalambidou noted that Cyprus elects MPs through preference votes rather than ranked party lists. She argued that, under this system, demands for resignation disregard voters who choose both a party ballot and specific candidates.
She concluded by expressing regret over references that attempt to undermine her personality, adding she will not follow what she described as a deliberately provoked confrontation or lower the level of public dialogue. She emphasised that both parties and individuals face judgement through their political conduct and through citizens’ votes.
Also read: AKEL: Charalambidou’s position places her outside party
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