Three candidates are competing for the succession of Nicos Anastasiades, in power for ten years. The island’s reunification file, divided since 1974, and the exploitation of gas fields are important issues of the coming years.
by Marie Jégo
Cypriots are called to the polls on Sunday, February 5, for the first round of the presidential election, after a campaign without relief, the three candidates in the running being all former collaborators of the outgoing conservative president, Nicos Anastasiades, 76, who withdrew after ten years spent at the head of the divided island. The pretenders to the supreme function have endeavored to get out of its orbit and to stand out from each other, if only to make people forget the popular saying that they are all “the sons of anastasiades”.
Averof Neophytou, 61, who has run the democratic rally (Disy, conservative right) since 2013, presents itself as a “safe choice”. He has his experience and his political skill for him. It is under his leadership that the Disy, which did not have the majority in Parliament, was able to pass the reforms required by the “Troika” (International Monetary Fund, European Commission and Central Bank) to curb the financial crisis 2012 and 2013. “Those who claim to establish the change will only succeed in creating chaos,” said this politician with a severe face during his last rally on Thursday. “The time is neither for experiments nor errors,” he hammered, valuing the found stability.
Conversely, Andreas Mavroyiannis, 66, plays the card of political renewal. Former chief negotiator of Mr. Anastasiades in talks with Turkish Cypriots for the reunification of the island, he is supported by the Progressive Workers’ Party (Akel, communist obedience). University, passed in particular by Paris, where he was a research assistant in Panthéon-Assas, this experienced diplomat tries to attract the disappointed administration, suspected of corruption. In particular, is in question a controversial allocation program, against on -site investments, of passports of the European Union, of which Cyprus has been a member since 2004, to dubious businessmen, in particular Russians.
A divided state
The granting of these “gold passports” has ceased, but its uncovers tainted the reputation of the outgoing government. “In this election, there are three favorites and two choices: the continuation of this governance or a progressive change,” said Mavroyiannis to his supporters, before the closing of the campaign, Friday.
described as the favorite of the ballot, Nikos Christudoulides, 49, presents himself as an independent, although he too is a member of the Disy, the party of M. Anastasiades. Formerly spokesperson for the government and then Minister of Foreign Affairs, he aims to seduce all Cypriots, regardless of their political convictions. “I have experience, knowledge, relationships, and I want to see my country free and reunified,” he said during his last campaign meeting. However, his intransigence with regard to Turkish Cypriots leaves little hope in favor of a rapid political settlement.
You have 40.65% of this article to read. The continuation is reserved for subscribers.