Diko's general secretary, George Solomou, has sent a clear message that the Democratic Party cannot bear the political cost of supporting the government while learning of significant decisions from the media.
Speaking on Politis radio, Solomou made clear that Diko does not dispute the president's constitutional right to choose the ministers and officials he considers suitable. What the party is asking for, he said, is genuine and timely prior consultation, so that the party providing parliamentary support to the government is not presented with a fait accompli.
Solomou's remarks came in the aftermath of a meeting between Diko's Secretariat and President Nicos Christodoulides. The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, did not conclude, and both sides are expected to reconvene next week, following a meeting of the party's Executive Bureau.
The political landscape has changed
Diko's general secretary noted that the political landscape has shifted significantly since the parliamentary election, since the party is now the government's sole parliamentary pillar of support in the House.
As he explained, the burden Diko carries is not limited to voting through government bills. Party officials are also called on to promote the government's work in public debate, defend its decisions, and take on part of the responsibility for any errors or omissions.
"Since we carry the responsibility, we should at least be kept informed," was his central message.
Solomou said the need for better cooperation had been raised in the past, but takes on even greater significance now. Without prior coordination with Diko's parliamentary group, he said, the government risks running into difficulties even in advancing its own bills through the House.
Consultation before Cabinet
A key demand from Diko is that political consultation should precede the finalisation of significant government decisions.
Solomou explained that coordination on bills should take place before they reach their final form and are approved by the Council of Ministers. This, he said, would allow potential disagreements to be identified in good time and would help avoid the government being caught off guard in parliament.
He also argued that there should be more regular communication between the president's office, Diko's leadership and the party's parliamentary group.
The aim, he said, is not to strip the president of his decision-making authority, but to create a functioning framework for political coordination.
No names, no ultimatums
Solomou was categorical that no ultimatums, threats to withdraw from the government, or specific conditions were put to President Christodoulides during the meeting at the Presidential Palace.
He also denied that specific individuals were discussed for ministerial appointments, or that Diko had been asked to propose a name for the Ministry of Agriculture.
Asked specifically about reports naming Christos Senekkis as a possible candidate for a ministerial post, Solomou said no names were raised during the meeting. He was equally categorical regarding reports linking himself to a possible appointment to a ministry or semi-governmental organisation.
"No such discussion took place," he said.
