AKEL party expels former MP Costas Costas indefinitely

The Limassol District Committee of the AKEL party has imposed an indefinite expulsion on former Member of Parliament Costas Costas. The decision, which was reached unanimously in early October following a report from the party's Central Control Committee, marks the conclusion of a prolonged period of internal friction between the veteran politician and the party leadership.

Party officials stated that the disciplinary action was prompted by a series of behaviors deemed incompatible with the party's statutes and principles. According to the party, Kostas acted outside of the organizational framework on multiple occasions, engaging in what it described as persistent anti-party conduct. This sanction represents the second most severe disciplinary measure available under the party's regulations, falling just short of permanent expulsion.

Kostas, who served three terms as a Limassol MP and topped the party's preference vote in 2021 with 6,212 votes, confirmed receiving notice of the decision by telephone in early October but declined to provide further comments. His tenure had previously come into focus due to the party's term limits policy, as he was not granted the exemption required to run for a fourth term, unlike some other prominent colleagues. The party has not disclosed further details regarding the specific incidents leading to his removal.