Political rift over Great Sea Interconnector project in Cyprus

A public confrontation has erupted between Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keraunos and DIKO party leader Nikolas Papadopoulos regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) energy project. The dispute began after Papadopoulos questioned in an interview why Keraunos, who has expressed concerns about the project, does not resign if he disagrees with President Christodoulides. Keraunos dismissed the inquiry as political “ridiculousness” and accused Papadopoulos of having personal obsessions, while denying any plans to step down.

The conflict intensified as DIKO issued an official statement condemning Keraunos’s dismissive tone, arguing that his comments undermine political discourse and show disrespect toward the party that supported the government’s economic policies. The opposition party DISY later entered the fray, expressing support for DIKO’s position. DISY criticized the government for its contradictory stance on the GSI, which is officially deemed a project of strategic and national importance, and urged officials to provide clear answers regarding its viability and rising costs, currently estimated beyond €1.9 billion.

While the government maintains that the project is a key energy initiative, internal friction continues to grow. The political debate remains ongoing as both DIKO and DISY press for transparency, warning that mismanagement could threaten the strategic alignment between Cyprus and Greece.