Former Cyprus ambassador to Greece and ex-minister Kyriakos Kenevezos has called for the traditional centre-ground political bloc to put forward its own candidate for the 2028 presidential election, saying the political space needs an independent voice regardless of its chances of winning.
Speaking on Politis Radio's Morning Briefing, Kenevezos said he sees a gap in the political landscape and believes the traditional centrist movement lacks authentic representation ahead of the next presidential race.
"Yes, I would support Nicolas"
Asked directly whether he would support a potential candidacy by DIKO president Nicolas Papadopoulos, Kenevezos replied in the affirmative.
"Yes, certainly," he said, explaining that if one of the leaders of the traditional centrist camp took the initiative to politically represent that space, he would be prepared to support them.
He added that while disagreements may exist on individual issues, he broadly shares common ground with most figures traditionally associated with the centre.
Kenevezos also defended his backing of President Nikos Christodoulides in the previous presidential election, arguing that political parties and personalities in a presidential system must make choices according to the circumstances of each period.
Reservations over Cyprus settlement convergences
Turning to the Cyprus issue, Kenevezos questioned the logic of successive concessions in negotiations and argued that the Greek Cypriot side should make greater use of current geopolitical realities and the Republic of Cyprus' position within the European Union.
He expressed strong reservations about:
- Rotating presidency.
- Turkish Cypriot veto rights in decision-making.
- Any settlement arrangements that would not guarantee the full withdrawal of Turkish troops.
Criticism of rotating presidency
Kenevezos also referred to comments made by Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou regarding past convergences reached in negotiations.
He described the rotating presidency as one of the most problematic elements of previous agreements and rejected the view that it should automatically be preserved as part of any future framework.
Asked what the Greek Cypriot side should present to the United Nations today, he argued that its positions should be advanced more forcefully during negotiations.
"Our side should place its positions on the negotiating table more substantively and more insistently," he said.
"The settlers must leave"
Kenevezos also addressed the issue of Turkish settlers living in the north of Cyprus.
He argued that settlement has altered the island's demographic character and affects the substance of any future settlement.
While acknowledging that humanitarian considerations arise in cases involving descendants of settlers born in Cyprus and mixed families, he maintained that the starting point should be the departure of settlers, with specific exceptions examined under international law.
"The settlers must leave," he said.
Centre must present its own political proposal
Concluding the interview, Kenevezos returned to the question of political representation for the centre.
He argued that presenting an independent political proposal is essential for the traditional centrist space, regardless of whether it can secure victory in 2028.
According to Kenevezos, if the centre fails once again to express itself through its own candidacy, the problem will evolve beyond electoral politics into a deeper ideological challenge affecting the future direction of the political space.
