Political tension in Cyprus over the Great Sea Interconnector project

Tensions have escalated between the Democratic Party (DIKO) and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, a strategic electricity cable connecting Cyprus and Greece. The dispute began after DIKO President Nicolas Papadopoulos questioned in a media interview why Keravnos remains in office if he disagrees with President Nikos Christodoulides’ push to advance the project. Keravnos responded on September 22 by dismissing the query as political "nonsense" and accusing Papadopoulos of personal obsessions, sparking a sharp rebuke from DIKO officials who demanded a retraction.

The conflict has widened as the opposition party DISY publicly backed DIKO's criticism, labeling Keravnos' tone as unacceptable and harmful to the political discourse. Critics, including DISY and DIKO, argue that the government’s contradictory stance—where the President supports the project while the Finance Minister voices persistent financial concerns—undermines a strategic initiative aimed at ending the country's energy isolation. Concerns have also been raised regarding the final cost of the project, which is currently estimated at 1.9 billion euros, though officials suggest the final figure could be significantly higher.

While DIKO officials have stated that no formal demand for the minister's resignation has been issued, the party insists that Keravnos must respect the political system. The ongoing friction complicates the governing coalition's stability as stakeholders continue to debate the project’s viability versus its geopolitical and economic risks.