Giorgos Pantelidis, president of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), has sought to put an end to speculation that he may be considering a bid in the 2028 presidential election.
Pantelidis' name has recently featured in media reports and political discussions as one of the figures who could attract AKEL's interest ahead of the process expected to begin this autumn to select the party's candidate for the next presidential race.
The discussion was fuelled by suggestions that AKEL could once again look beyond its party structures for a candidate capable of appealing to voters beyond the traditional support base of the Left.
Pantelidis rejects political ambitions
However, Pantelidis has made clear that he has no interest in becoming actively involved in politics at present.
In an interview with InBusinessNews and journalist Marios Adamou, the OEB president was asked to comment on reports presenting him as a possible contender in the 2028 election.
Pantelidis said he has followed the discussion himself, noting that some reports appear, in his view, to be "clearly planted and driven by obvious motives".
At the same time, he acknowledged that if such references reflect genuine thinking among political actors, then being mentioned is an honour.
Focus remains on business and development
Despite the speculation, Pantelidis indicated that his focus remains firmly on his professional responsibilities and the business sector.
He stressed that his priority continues to be the country's progress and economic development rather than a move into frontline politics.
