Political tension escalates between DIKO leader and Finance Minister over GSI project

A public confrontation has erupted between the president of the DIKO party, Nikolas Papadopoulos, and the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, concerning the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity project. During the week of September 20, 2026, Papadopoulos publicly criticized the Minister for allegedly undermining the government’s policy on the interconnection project, questioning why Keravnos remains in his position if he disagrees with President Nikos Christodoulides.

In response, during a television interview on September 22, 2026, Keravnos dismissed the criticism as "political ridiculousness" and stated that he is focused on serious national issues rather than personal obsessions. He clarified that he has no intention of resigning and noted that the tenure of any cabinet member remains at the sole discretion of the President. The Minister further expressed his support for Nikos Christodoulides for potential future presidential candidacies, while questioning whether Papadopoulos acknowledges his continued membership in the DIKO party.

This friction highlights ongoing internal party tensions and ideological disagreements regarding the GSI project, as well as broader concerns about party discipline and upcoming political alignments ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Papadopoulos emphasized that his party will not provide "blank checks" to any candidate, requiring a concrete program for any future political cooperation.