Internal crisis escalates within EDEK party

The EDEK party is experiencing a severe internal crisis just days before its statutory congress scheduled for October 25, 2026. Eleven members of the party's Political Bureau have formally challenged the leadership of party president Sofia Christodoulou Makri, accusing her of institutional violations, disregard for democratic procedures, and unauthorized unilateral decision-making. The friction reached a boiling point after Makri canceled a Political Bureau meeting originally set for October 19, an action the eleven members labeled as anti-institutional and a potential disciplinary offense.

The conflict encompasses deeper issues regarding the party’s financial instability, which has been exacerbated by the loss of state funding following EDEK's removal from parliament. Criticisms from the signatories—including Georgios Georgiou and Dimitris Pavlidis—focus on recent staff dismissals and the president’s lack of transparency regarding political initiatives. Tensions were further inflamed by the use of the term "reunification" in a recent party statement, which reportedly upset several board members.

While Makri has defended her decision to postpone the meeting as a means to study the members' concerns more thoroughly, the internal rift persists. The party is currently attempting to navigate these disputes while preparing for a December electoral congress, marking a turbulent period as the leadership tries to consolidate its position and define a new course for the organization.