Former minister, MP and Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides has called for a full forensic audit of EDEK's finances despite the cost involved, arguing that restoring trust within the party requires a complete examination of what happened in previous years.
Speaking on Politis Radio's Morning Briefing, Nikolaides described the party's constitutional congress as an important step towards EDEK's reconstruction but stressed that constitutional reforms alone would not heal the wounds of the past.
"More costly not to conduct the audit"
Nicolaides placed particular emphasis on the issue of financial management, insisting that a comprehensive forensic audit must proceed.
Asked about remarks by EDEK president Sofia Christodoulou Makri that such a process would be expensive, he replied that "it is more costly not to conduct the audit".
According to Nicolaides, bids have already been sought for the investigation and he believes a way will be found for it to move forward.
"A party cannot continue to live and function under these shadows," he said, arguing that members have a right to know what occurred so confidence in the movement can be rebuilt.
Expulsions cancelled, membership registers unified
Nicolaides highlighted the congress decision to cancel past expulsions and unify party membership registers.
Under the approved changes, anyone recorded as a member of an EDEK register since 2015 is now considered a full party member with participation rights in internal elections and party procedures.
He described the move as a "courageous political act" addressing one of the most contentious issues that had troubled EDEK over the past decade.
He also welcomed provisions protecting the right to public political disagreement, meaning members can criticise official party positions without facing expulsion, provided they are not engaged in organised factional activity.
Omirou absent, but still part of the effort
Asked about the absence of former EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou from the congress, Nicolaides said no political significance should be attached to it and suggested he may simply have been unable to attend.
He noted that Omirou had publicly supported change and the renewal of EDEK, adding that he remains involved in the effort "in his own way".
Nikolaides also expressed full support for Christodoulou Makri, describing her election as one of the biggest internal political upsets in EDEK's history.
He referred to criticism directed at her because of her age, saying attempts had been made, directly or indirectly, to question and exclude her.
Future relationship with the government remains open
On EDEK's participation in the government of President Nikos Christodoulides, Nicolaides said the matter was not discussed at the congress, which dealt exclusively with constitutional issues.
He acknowledged, however, that some political decisions taken in the past could have gone in a different direction.
Following the party's internal elections in December, he said EDEK should begin a substantive discussion on its ideological identity, political direction and stance on major social issues.
"Change does not simply mean changing the president or the party constitution. It means changing mentalities and procedures," he said.
"I didn't return for a position"
Ahead of the party elections on 13 December, Nicolaides made clear he has no interest in seeking any party office.
"My return has nothing to do with any chair or position," he said, explaining that his objective is to contribute to the party's reconstruction.
He concluded by saying that EDEK has drifted away in recent years from both society and, in some respects, its own principles.
Reconnecting with its democratic socialist identity and with citizens' concerns, he said, is essential if the party is to regain its political relevance.
