The President addresses the issues affecting everyday life, from housing and the economy to the future of Cyprus talks.
In a wide-ranging interview with Kathimerini Managing Editor Thanasis Photiou, President Nikos Christodoulides spoke about everything from the Cyprus issue and his political standing after the parliamentary elections to the cost-of-living pressures facing households, housing, natural gas revenues, and even the much-discussed traditional Indian waistcoats he wore during his recent visit to India.
Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
1. Cyprus issue: Clear on rejecting “constructive ambiguity”
Commenting on behind-the-scenes efforts to hold an informal expanded meeting on the Cyprus issue this summer, President Christodoulides said he is “cautiously optimistic” that, even if a comprehensive solution is not reached by the end of the year, there can at least be irreversible progress in building the political will needed to move toward a settlement.
The president stressed that he rejects any form of “constructive ambiguity” and made clear he would never pass responsibility onto the public by putting forward a plan that he personally considers problematic.
However, perhaps the most notable aspect of his comments was what he did not say. He avoided referring directly to the agreed basis of a solution or clearly defining the exact model of the settlement being pursued, instead pointing to the convergences reached during previous negotiations.
When asked whether talks would resume from where they left off at Crans-Montana, as had long been the Greek Cypriot position, he replied:
“Let us keep in mind that the convergences constitute our common approach regarding the framework.”
2. “I do not feel politically weakened at all”
Responding to interpretations of the parliamentary election results, Christodoulides rejected claims that his political influence has weakened.
Despite losses suffered by the parties that supported him in 2023, two of which failed to enter Parliament, the president argued that the new House’s center-right majority reflects approval of his government’s policies.
3. The door remains open to DISY: “Where is the disagreement?”
Amid ongoing discussions about a possible rapprochement with DISY, Christodoulides said anyone who agrees with the government’s program is welcome to join the administration while respecting DISY’s own decision on whether it wants to remain in opposition or cooperate.
“I would be happy for the Democratic Rally to participate in the government,” he said.
He also questioned where exactly the party disagrees with his administration, saying: “Is it foreign policy? The economy? Migration? Tax reform?”
4. He does not see Annita Demetriou as his main political opponent
Asked whether DISY President Annita Demetriou has now emerged as the main political challenger to his government and a possible rival in the 2028 presidential election, Christodoulides said no.
Instead, he pointed to the cooperation that has existed with DISY over the past year and expressed hope that it would continue.
At the same time, he avoided discussing whether a stronger political bloc has formed around Demetriou following the election result. Although many expect him to seek a second term, he said he has not yet made a final decision and will consider the matter in 2027.
5. First natural gas revenues expected by late 2027 or 2028
On energy matters, the president offered a timeline for when Cyprus could begin receiving income from its natural gas resources, estimating the first revenues would arrive towards the end of 2027 or during 2028.
He said significant decisions have already been taken and further announcements are expected, following extensive negotiations with Egypt and companies operating in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
6. The electricity cable project is still alive
Despite concerns over funding and geopolitical challenges, particularly Turkish objections, Christodoulides insisted the electricity interconnection project remains a strategic priority.
He revealed that investment funds from countries in the region have shown interest and said Cyprus is also examining alternative energy connections with Lebanon and Israel if needed.
However, connecting Cyprus to the European electricity grid remains the government’s main strategic objective.
7. Deputy Ministry for European Affairs is here to stay
In a smaller but significant announcement, the president revealed that the deputy ministry for European affairs will remain in place even after Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU ends.
He said the European dimension now affects almost every area of government policy, requiring permanent coordination, especially as Cyprus works to address delays in aligning with EU legislation.
8. He acknowledges the gap between economic figures and everyday reality
Although the president highlighted Cyprus’ strong economic performance, low unemployment, and improved international credit ratings, he acknowledged that many citizens do not feel they are benefiting from the country’s growth.
“I do not live detached from society,” he said, adding that he regularly hears people’s concerns and brings those difficulties to Cabinet discussions.
He said the government’s tax reform, higher tax-free income threshold and planned pension reform aim to help citizens feel the benefits of economic growth more directly.
9. Housing remains one of Cyprus’ biggest challenges
Among domestic issues, Christodoulides identified the housing crisis as one of the government’s biggest challenges.
He said measures are being implemented to increase housing supply, adding that he does not claim the problem has been solved but believes government policies can gradually contain and address it.
+ A pointed remark about the 2023 election
In one of the more politically charged moments of the interview, Christodoulides criticized the former leadership of DISY over its stance during the second round of the 2023 presidential election.
He said he had never hidden his connection to DISY and argued that the party’s leadership at the time made a mistake by effectively backing AKEL’s candidate.
“In politics, when you act out of revenge, it shows political immaturity,” he said, adding that such immaturity can be dangerous when someone holds power.
He contrasted that with DISY supporters who backed him in 2023 and, he said, did not behave in the same way during the recent parliamentary elections.
+ A more lighthearted moment: The Indian waistcoats
In an otherwise serious political discussion, the president also addressed the criticism and jokes surrounding the traditional Indian waistcoats he wore during his recent visit to India.
He explained that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally sent him two traditional waistcoats before the trip as a gesture reflecting the relationship they had developed, and he wore them to honour his hosts.
Christodoulides said it was unfortunate that some people focused on his clothing rather than the achievements of the visit, including securing the first Bollywood film production to begin shooting in Cyprus and the expansion of Cypriot banking activity in India.
