Christodoulides to decide on second term in 2027

President Nikos Christodoulides has said he intends to announce within 2027 whether he will seek a second term as President of the Republic, while stressing that he does not believe the government has entered an election period.

In a television interview with Plus and journalist Manolis Kalantzis, the President addressed a range of current issues, including the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnector, energy policy, relations with Israel and the United States, strengthening the Republic of Cyprus’ defence capabilities, the Cyprus problem and the government’s relations with political parties.

“Within 2027 I will say whether I will run again”

Asked whether he intends to seek re-election, Christodoulides said he has not yet made his final decision.

He said that when he does decide, he will address the Cypriot people “honestly and sincerely” and announce whether he will seek a second term. He said this announcement will be made within 2027.

The President rejected suggestions that government initiatives, including tax reform, pension reform, child benefits and housing measures, are driven by electoral considerations.

“Are we not going to do anything because it will be considered pre-election?” he asked, noting that the government still has around a year and a half ahead of it and must continue implementing its programme.

Target of up to 40% reduction in electricity prices

Christodoulides said the government is not limiting itself to the opposition’s proposed target of a 20% reduction in electricity prices.

“I want to reduce the price of electricity by 30% and 40%,” he said, stressing that if such a reduction could be achieved immediately, he would be the first to pursue it.

He said the government is advancing a series of measures linked to its energy strategy, including the development of the Vasilikos terminal and the utilisation of natural gas.

The aim, he said, is to award the contract for the Vasilikos project within 2027. At the same time, procedures concerning natural gas must move forward and Cyprus’ domestic infrastructure must be able to accommodate it.

NAVTEX and €25 million for GSI

Christodoulides also addressed the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection through the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), revealing that there is a specific agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the payment of Cyprus’ financial contribution.

He said the Republic of Cyprus will pay the agreed €25 million once the necessary NAVTEX is issued for the start of seismic surveys. He noted that the relevant provision exists in both last year’s and this year’s state budgets and that the agreement with Athens will be honoured.

The President rejected reports of disagreement or tension between Nicosia and Athens over the project, stressing that “there is no friction with Athens” and that some are attempting to present a different picture from reality.

Christodoulides defended the government’s approach to the GSI, saying the government must consider not only the project’s financial aspects but also its political and geopolitical dimensions.

He described the interconnector as absolutely necessary, arguing that without it, alongside other energy measures, the target of reducing electricity prices cannot be achieved.

The President also said the entry of a French company into the project was crucial in creating the conditions for its implementation, while defending the government’s handling of the project against criticism in recent months.

“I do not serve any businessman”

Christodoulides also responded strongly to allegations of corruption or favouritism.

He called on anyone with evidence supporting such claims to present it publicly, saying that he is accountable exclusively to the Cypriot people.

“I serve no one,” he said, adding that he has no obligation to answer to businessmen or any other third party.

Israel: “We will strengthen relations further”

Regarding Cyprus’ relations with Israel, Christodoulides said the government will continue to strengthen them, as it is also doing with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and the Gulf countries.

He stressed that the government’s foreign policy is based on a clear European and Western orientation, while also developing relations with all countries in the region.

At the same time, the President said Cyprus holds different positions from the Israeli government regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

He said that despite Cyprus’ excellent relations with Israel, the Republic cannot support actions it considers illegal, particularly on issues that Cyprus itself has experienced.

He also referred to the forthcoming visit of the Palestinian President to Cyprus, saying Nicosia wants to use its position to act as a bridge for communication in the region.

Strengthening defence and cooperation with Greece

The President described strengthening the Republic of Cyprus’ deterrent capabilities as a top priority.

He said significant investments will concern both defence programmes and military infrastructure, referring to the upgrade of the air base in Paphos and the naval base in Limassol.

He also said cooperation between Cyprus and Greece in defence and security is now closer than in the past, arguing that practical coordination between the two countries goes beyond the levels seen during the period of the Unified Defence Doctrine.

US ties at their strongest point

Christodoulides also highlighted relations between Cyprus and the United States, describing them as the best the two countries have ever had.

He said Washington views the Republic of Cyprus as one of its most stable partners and allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.

The President also revealed that the United States is making a significant contribution to the cost of upgrading the air base in Paphos, which he said is being developed to NATO air base standards.

Cyprus problem: “I am optimistic”

Christodoulides said he remains optimistic about the course of the Cyprus problem, despite acknowledging that there has so far been no substantive movement by the Turkish side.

He attributed his optimism to renewed international interest in the Cyprus problem and, particularly, the role the European Union can play.

He said Turkey will move on the Cyprus problem when it realises that its interests can be better served through a situation different from the current one.

Relations with DISY and ELAM

Asked about his relations with the leadership and members of the Democratic Rally (DISY), the President rejected the existence of a personal or ideological difference.

He said he comes from the DISY political sphere and that the government’s policy is, to a large extent, aligned with the party’s longstanding ideological direction. He referred particularly to social liberalism, the free economy, the family, the middle class, healthcare and education.

Regarding ELAM, he said he maintains contacts with all political parties and that no political group receives preferential treatment from the government.

“Our only privileged relationship is with the Cypriot people,” he said.

“We made mistakes, but we did not harm the state”

Responding to criticism of the government, Christodoulides acknowledged that mistakes had been made and that there had been behaviour that could have been avoided.

He argued, however, that none of these mistakes harmed the state or the interests of society.

“The only way not to make mistakes is to do nothing,” he said, adding that ultimately the Cypriot people are the judges of everyone.

The President also referred to attacks against his family, saying that his involvement in politics was his own choice, but not that of his family.

“More than 81% of our programme implemented”

Concluding the interview, Christodoulides said the government has already implemented more than 81% of its pre-election programme.

He expressed confidence that by the final day of its term, the government will have delivered on its commitments to the Cypriot people.

“I am accountable only to the Cypriot people. To no one else,” he said in closing.

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