Businessman John Christodoulou has expressed interest in the presidential election of February 2028, speaking to Politis after a report in Phileleftheros on Tuesday placed him at the centre of soundings by Fidias Panayiotou. Christodoulou confirmed he has been in contact with the MEP and Direct Democracy leader, who he said is looking for potential candidates for the presidency of the Republic.
Decision around the turn of the year
Christodoulou made clear that, on his side at least, the interest is there, and that he will reach a final decision towards the end of the year or in early 2027. He said Panayiotou is not the only person encouraging him to run, as others have urged him to do the same. He regards his willingness to serve as a given, on condition that he can genuinely make a difference. On a personal level, he said he is going through a good period and is satisfied with the course his life has taken, but serving the country is a challenge he considers particularly important and one he will reflect on carefully.
Christodoulou, a Cypriot refugee whose business is based in London, is active in Cyprus mainly through the Yianis Christodoulou charitable foundation. He has a good relationship with Panayiotou and has appeared as a guest on his podcast.
Spanos out of the race
Contacted by Politis, Mike Spanos denied the reports and said he has no interest in running for the presidency. Spanos, a former member of the Central Bank of Cyprus board of directors, was proposed by the central committee of the Progressive Party of Working People (Akel) as its candidate for the 2018 election, but the consultations did not succeed and the party ultimately backed Stavros Malas. After the parliamentary elections in May, he represented Direct Democracy at the first session of the National Council.
Fidias tests the waters
According to Phileleftheros, Panayiotou raised the two names in contacts with party leaders, including Akel, exploring the possibility of a joint candidacy. He reportedly received no answer, as the internal processes of all parties apart from the Democratic Rally (Disy) are still at an early stage.
Akel general secretary Stefanos Stefanou said on Monday on Radio Politis 97.6 & 107.6 that the party has not yet begun sounding out potential candidates, noting that names are being floated and will continue to be floated.
