Odysseas Michailidis reevaluates presidential bid for 2028

Following the disappointing results of the parliamentary elections last May, the Alma movement is undergoing a strategic shift regarding the 2028 presidential elections. Odysseas Michailidis, the party leader, has indicated that his own candidacy is now considered highly unlikely, noting that the election results provided a clear message that cannot be ignored. Supporters and parliamentary colleagues suggest that Michailidis has become fully comfortable with his current legislative role.

Contradicting some earlier reports of a total withdrawal from the presidential race, Michailidis recently stated that Alma will not support other party candidates, including Andreas Mavroyiannis. Commentary from Philenews questions this stance, pointing out a potential contradiction: if Alma eventually presents its own candidate—potentially Michailidis himself—that candidate would technically be a party-affiliated nominee, regardless of his prior rhetoric against such labels. The movement currently faces internal questions about how it will position itself in the upcoming political landscape and whether it will field an independent or party-backed contender for the presidency.