Andreas Mavroyiannis has left open the possibility of running again for President of the Republic in 2028, saying he would welcome renewed backing from AKEL.
Asked on Politis 107.6 whether he would like to be the party’s chosen candidate in the next presidential election, he replied: “Certainly.”
Relationship with AKEL
Mavroyiannis spoke warmly about his relationship with AKEL following the previous presidential campaign.
“I never had the slightest difficulty. The people love me, they came to love me and they appreciate me greatly,” he said, adding that the strong relationship formed during the campaign continues today.
He clarified that he had not discussed a possible candidacy with AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou or other party officials following recent opinion polls. He said he respected the internal procedures of political parties and did not wish to interfere.
A possible 2028 candidacy
Mavroyiannis said that if he decides to enter the presidential race again, he would do so with the aim of winning.
“If I am to become involved in the next presidential election, I will do so under the sole banner of victory and change for the country,” he said.
He added that the appropriate conditions and support from political forces would need to be in place.
Asked which potential opponent he would consider the most difficult, Mavroyiannis declined to name anyone. He said that if he becomes a candidate, what matters is being capable of defeating whoever stands against him.
Cyprus problem remains the priority
Mavroyiannis said the Cyprus problem would top the agenda of any future candidacy. He added that he also wanted a state citizens could be proud of, one that serves the country rather than individual interests, alongside a more socially just and inclusive society.
He was not optimistic about immediate progress on the Cyprus issue. Mavroyiannis said expectations had previously been raised over significant developments and another informal five-party meeting, but Turkey later appeared to seek specific concessions from the European Union before agreeing to further movement.
He cited the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union and Turkey’s participation in the SAFE defence programme, describing the approach as “clear blackmail.”
Despite his pessimism, Mavroyiannis said the intervention of UN Secretary-General António Guterres remained important, arguing that it had prevented worse outcomes and kept the process alive.
“I am not optimistic,” he said, adding that containing the situation had created an opportunity “to play another half, or go into extra time”.
