Political negotiations over the election of the next Speaker of the House are in full swing, with parties stepping up contacts and sounding out positions ahead of the crucial vote next week.
DISY parliamentary spokesperson Demetris Demetriou, AKEL secretary general Stefanos Stefanou and DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos outlined their parties’ approaches in separate interviews on Politis radio, though none revealed their full strategy.
“We will not engage in political trade-offs”
Demetris Demetriou made clear that DISY remains committed to the candidacy of its leader for the House presidency.
“As DISY, we seek understanding with other political forces, but without engaging in processes of transaction or anything of that sort,” he said.
He stressed that the new House would be judged on its ability to deliver results and meet public expectations through substantive legislative work. On cooperation, he noted that no party holds a majority on its own to pass or block legislation.
“Political dialogue is an integral part of parliamentary procedure and a key element of political culture,” he said.
Asked whether DISY was concerned about DIKO holding talks with AKEL, he replied that this was not an issue for the party.
“Everything is on the table and nothing is on the table”
From AKEL’s side, Stefanos Stefanou said the party is still in the phase of consultations and assessing the positions of other political forces.
He made clear that no final decisions have been taken and that no specific scenarios have yet been shaped, leaving open even the possibility of an AKEL candidacy.
“Everything is on the table and nothing is on the table,” he said.
Stefanou added that discussions with DIKO, ALMA and other parties extend beyond the House presidency and include broader prospects for parliamentary cooperation.
At the same time, he rejected claims of political bargaining, arguing that such contacts are a normal part of democratic processes and are not linked to exchanges or concessions.
“We are examining all possible scenarios”
DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos adopted a similar tone.
He said his party is listening to the views of all parliamentary parties and examining all possible scenarios before reaching final decisions.
Asked about a potential personal candidacy, he replied that “we are discussing this as well as any other scenario that may arise.”
He also stressed that “no party can form a majority on its own” and that cooperation is essential.
