Political tension in Cyprus over the Great Sea Interconnector project

A significant political dispute has erupted in Cyprus between Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and DIKO party leader Nicolas Papadopoulos regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. The tension escalated after Papadopoulos questioned in a September 20 interview why Keravnos remains in government if he opposes the project, which the administration identifies as a strategic national priority. Keravnos dismissed these remarks as "political nonsense" and accused the DIKO leader of harboring personal obsessions. The Democratic Rally (DISY) party has entered the debate, criticizing the government for contradictory stances and calling for clear, responsible leadership on the project.

The conflict highlights deeper friction within the government coalition. While DIKO officials clarify they did not formally demand the Minister's resignation, the party has expressed strong resentment over Keravnos's "dismissive" tone. Former DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas claimed that Papadopoulos had requested the replacement of the Finance Minister during the summer, a proposal rejected by President Nikos Christodoulides. The situation remains volatile, as DIKO continues to demand consistent government policy, while the administration attempts to manage the fallout regarding the energy project's implementation.

Currently, the discord persists, with DIKO demanding that the Minister retract his characterizations. There are no scheduled court dates, as this is a political disagreement regarding government policy and internal coalition management.