Internal government friction grows between President Christodoulides, DIKO leader, and Finance Minister

A public political confrontation has emerged in Cyprus between DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. The tension, which intensified during President Nikos Christodoulides' attendance at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, centers on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project and accusations from Papadopoulos that the Ministry of Finance is deliberately obstructing government policies. Papadopoulos alleges that Keravnos has failed to implement agreements concerning pension funds, compensation for bank depositors and bondholders, local government funding, and support for livestock farmers.

While Papadopoulos has publicly questioned the coordination of the administration—suggesting the existence of 'two governments'—the Presidential Palace and Deputy Government Spokesman Giannis Antoniou have rejected these claims. The administration insists that Keravnos remains committed to the government program and that ministerial disagreements are a legitimate part of the decision-making process. Keravnos has previously dismissed the criticisms as 'nonsense'.

President Christodoulides has stepped in to act as a mediator, contacting both parties to request an immediate cooling of public rhetoric. Upon his return from New York, the President is expected to hold a private meeting with Papadopoulos, with the possibility of Keravnos also attending, to resolve the internal friction and restore coalition stability.