Andreas Mavroyiannis says a recent opinion poll has strengthened his belief that he could win the 2028 presidential election, while leaving open the possibility of running without the support of Akel.
Speaking on Alpha Cyprus, Mavroyiannis said the findings of a poll conducted by RAI Consultants showed "a very good dynamic" and argued that, compared with the political landscape of 2022, "this poll makes me president."
Poll results and AKEL support
In the survey, Mavroyiannis received between 22% and 24% in first-round scenarios, placing second behind President Nikos Christodoulides.
In projected second-round matchups, he trails Christodoulides by 45% to 38%, but defeats both Averof Neophytou and George Pamboridis.
Mavroyiannis acknowledged that a significant portion of his support comes from Akel voters who backed him in the 2023 election, although he said it is difficult to determine exactly how much of the poll result belongs to him personally.
Independent candidacy not ruled out
Asked whether he would run if Akel selected another candidate, Mavroyiannis said that if his polling numbers remained strong, that would be his intention, provided he ultimately decides to enter the race.
He said he and his team expect to decide on a candidacy before the end of the year, with a possible announcement in January.
While stating that he would prefer Akel's support, he said he respects the party's internal decision-making process.
Reflection on 2023 campaign
Looking back at the 2023 presidential election, Mavroyiannis said he would not significantly change his message but acknowledged that he underestimated the physical demands of campaigning.
He said he should have spent more time travelling across Cyprus and engaging directly with voters.
Criticism of Cyprus talks progress
On the Cyprus issue, Mavroyiannis described the outcome of the recent trilateral meeting as "meagre" and below expectations.
He said UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to convene another trilateral meeting with the two leaders before the end of the month or in early December, potentially paving the way for an informal expanded meeting before the end of his term.
Mavroyiannis also criticised President Christodoulides' handling of the Cyprus issue, arguing that the current period is the only one since 1974 in which no meaningful progress has been achieved. He questioned why the linkage between the modernisation of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union and the resumption of substantive negotiations was not pursued earlier.
At the same time, he said he had not seen a significant change in the position of Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
