EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis): This is a rare moment for all of us, observers of Greek and Cypriot politics. Contemplating someone’s political ambitions and fortunes, we are usually quick to identify hidden motives and underground foreign connections. As Cyprus foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides announced yesterday his run for President of Cyprus we have nothing negative to say for a true stand-up guy, a well-educated, experienced, and straightforward statesman – except to congratulate him and wish him all the best in his political efforts. Yes, for once Cyprus and Greece stand to truly benefit from the possible ascent to power OF A TRUE PATRIOT!!
Good luck Niko!! The Greek-American community will be fully supporting you!!
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Cyprus foreign minister quits amid presidential run tussle
Cyprus’ foreign minister has resigned his post amid swirling speculation over his intention to run for president of the east Mediterranean island nation next year that he said undermined the work of his ministry and that of the government
Christodoulides, 48, said “he would be interested” in running in the March 2023 election, but that it was much too early for him to formally declare his candidacy and criticized what he called premature and counterproductive campaigning especially amid all the challenges brought on by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
He also decried a move by his center-right Democratic Rally (DISY) party to expedite procedures to select a candidate when the party hierarchy had declared in October that it would leave that decision for the end of spring.
The reference pointed an indirect finger of blame at party leader Averof Neophytou, who harbors his own presidential ambitions. Neophytou last week called out Christodoulides to make clear his intentions, effectively challenging him to a one-on-one race for the DISY leadership which would, in turn, anoint the party’s presidential candidate.
Christodoulides, who served as foreign minister since March 2018 and was government spokesman for five years prior to that, has consistently ranked as one the most popular politicians in the country in numerous public opinion polls.
He said his candidacy would aim to forge a broad base of support from across the political spectrum including his own party, but he insisted that being a party leader was not a pre-requisite for a run at the presidency.
“These kinds of approaches serve those who invest in polarization and fanaticism and aren’t commensurate with modern democracies and values. I’m sorry, but I won’t follow that course,” Christodoulides said.
I like him he is clean and smart Patriot.