DIKO President Nikolas Papadopoulos has voiced strong concerns regarding the government led by President Nikos Christodoulides, particularly highlighting the challenges surrounding the Cyprus-Greece electrical interconnector project.
Disappointment in Cooperation
In a recent interview with Politis, Mr. Papadopoulos expressed his discontent with the current administration’s performance, noting that the collaboration between DIKO and the President has not produced the desired results. He clarified that DIKO has not granted a “blank cheque” of support to the government, emphasising the party’s readiness to challenge the administration when it believes mistakes are being made.
“We believe in the government’s programme and want to assist in its implementation, but the President of the Republic is the one who must decide whether he wants to improve the way his governance operates or whether he wants to continue with a problematic cooperation,” he stated.
Concerns Over the Interconnector Project
Mr. Papadopoulos has also raised alarms about the Cyprus-Greece electrical interconnector project, which he warns could face collapse if not handled carefully. He referred to such a failure as potentially “the worst geopolitical defeat for Cyprus since the S-300s.”
Highlighting the project’s significance, he remarked on its geostrategic importance, underscoring the potential benefits it could bring, such as affordable electricity and the end of Cyprus’ energy isolation. He stated, “The GSI (Great Sea Interconnector) will bring us cheap electricity, end our energy isolation, and transform Cyprus into an energy conduit for the entire Eastern Mediterranean.”
Mr. Papadopoulos expressed particular concern about the current delays and mixed messages from government officials regarding the project, suggesting that these could undermine its success. He warned, “We note that Cyprus and Greece fought battles in the past to exclude Turkey and the occupied territories from the European energy network. We greatly fear that if this project is led to collapse, Turkey and the occupied territories will re-enter Europe’s energy game.”
Future Political Alliances
Looking ahead, Mr. Papadopoulos discussed the importance of continuing the collaboration with the Democratic Rally (DISY) in the next parliament. He reminded the public of the successful history of cooperation between DIKO and DISY, particularly in critical moments such as integrating Cyprus into the euro and steering the economy away from the brink of bankruptcy.
He concluded by asserting that “not only is there a prospect of cooperation with DISY in Parliament, but I believe that this cooperation is the only shield our people have against the economic destruction that the forces of the extremes and populism will bring if they prevail in the next Parliament.”
Leave a Reply