Economist Tassos Yiasemides addresses speculation regarding AKEL presidential bid

Economist and KPMG Cyprus partner Tassos Yiasemides has responded to reports suggesting he is being considered as a potential presidential candidate supported by the opposition party AKEL. Speaking on Alpha TV on October 12, 2026, Yiasemides neither confirmed nor denied the possibility, stating only that "everything has its time." Reports indicate that his name was suggested to the AKEL leadership by former Edek leader Nikos Anastasiou.

AKEL, which secured 23.9 percent of the vote in the May 2026 parliamentary elections, began internal deliberations regarding a candidate in September and aims to reach a final decision by March 2027 at the latest. Other individuals reportedly under discussion include former EU Commissioner Christos Stylianides, negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, and potentially party leader Stefanos Stefanou. Additionally, Andreas Mavroyiannis, who was backed by AKEL in the 2023 presidential race, has expressed openness to receiving the party's support again for the 2028 election.

Yiasemides emphasized that any future candidacy would require a thorough examination of proposed policies. He advocated for a reform-oriented approach to ensure that the country's positive fiscal indicators translate into tangible improvements for society, stressing that economic benefits must reach the broader public.