Sofia Christodoulou Makri elected leader of EDEK as party initiates internal reforms

On September 5, 2026, 27-year-old lawyer Sofia Christodoulou Makri was elected president of the EDEK party, becoming the youngest leader of a traditional party in Cypriot history. The election took place as the socialist movement faces a critical juncture, having failed to secure parliamentary representation in recent elections after 56 years of activity, alongside significant financial losses following the revocation of state funding.

In a move to address internal fractures and declining influence, the new leadership recently announced the unconditional and universal reinstatement of all previously expelled members. This decision, aimed at reconciliation and party unification, has received support from prominent figures such as former MEP Dimitris Papadakis, who has confirmed his readiness to rejoin the party as a regular member to help restore democratic functions. The party is now preparing for a statutory congress scheduled for October and internal elections in December.

Following her appointment, Makri has initiated diplomatic outreach, including a recent meeting with AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou to discuss potential cooperation. The current administration is now focused on auditing membership records and preparing for the December electoral process as they attempt to rebuild the party's presence from the ground up.