Public dispute between Diko leader and Finance Minister over government alignment

A public political dispute emerged in Cyprus between Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, sparking questions about unity within the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides. On September 24 and 25, 2026, Papadopoulos publicly questioned whether there were “two governments,” citing persistent disagreements between the minister and the president. While the conflict initially centered on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project—which the president supports but the minister has expressed financial skepticism toward, warning of costs potentially exceeding €1.9 billion—Papadopoulos noted that tensions extend to other policy areas, including pensions, the 2013 bank haircut, and municipal state grants.

Papadopoulos suggested that the minister should resign if he cannot support cabinet decisions, though he later clarified that his remark was rhetorical. Keravnos has stated he has no intention of resigning, asserting that such decisions remain the prerogative of the president. The presidential palace, via deputy spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, intervened on Friday to dismiss claims of a divided government, insisting that the administration is unified. A meeting between the two figures is expected to be scheduled following the president's return from New York to resolve the impasse.