Diko leader calls for finance minister's resignation over Great Sea Interconnector project

Diko party leader Nicholas Papadopoulos publicly called for the resignation of Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on September 20, 2026, citing the minister's persistent reservations regarding the Great Sea Interconnector project. This initiative aims to link the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Papadopoulos criticized Keravnos for allegedly opposing the project without providing supporting studies, while simultaneously praising President Christodoulides for his commitment to the venture, including a planned €25 million payment to the Greek government upon the issuance of a navtex for seabed surveys between Crete and Cyprus.

In response to these demands, Minister Keravnos dismissed the calls for his resignation during a television interview on September 22, 2026. He questioned whether Papadopoulos was aware that he himself is a member of the Diko party. The minister maintained that he does not concern himself with political criticism, prioritizing matters he deems essential for the country's future. While the president has expressed support for the project as a means to achieve energy adequacy and lower costs, the internal government disagreement persists regarding the project's viability and fiscal implications. The issuance of the navtex remains expected in the coming days.