Internal strife grows within EDEK party ahead of statutory congress

Tensions within the EDEK party in Cyprus have escalated as eleven members of the Political Bureau launched a sharp attack against party president Sofia Christodoulou Makri. In a series of letters exchanged between October 16 and 20, 2026, the dissenting members accused Makri of anti-institutional behavior, bypassing collective bodies, and violating party statutes. The dispute peaked when Makri postponed a scheduled Political Bureau meeting on October 19, prompting the members to label her actions as a threat to party democracy and suggest that the upcoming statutory congress, scheduled for October 25, is invalid before it even begins.

The conflict arises amidst EDEK’s severe financial crisis and its loss of parliamentary representation, which led to the termination of professional staff. The party is currently attempting a restructuring, including a reduction in personnel from 19 to 11. Despite the internal dissent, Makri maintains that the congress will proceed as planned, asserting that all procedures were followed and inviting her critics to present their arguments to the party base. The party is also looking ahead to an electoral congress in December, while Makri has denied rumors of political collaboration with AKEL or the nomination of Tasos Yiasemidis for presidential candidacy.