Mazotos residents protest exclusion from presidential meeting regarding desalination plant

On November 2, 2026, the Initiative Group for the Rescue of the Mazotos Coast was excluded from a meeting between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Mazotos Community Council. The meeting concerned the planned construction of a desalination plant in the Petounta area, a project to which the group—consisting of 500 members—strongly objects due to concerns over irreversible damage to the marine and terrestrial environment.

The Initiative Group, led by Eleni Haili, reported that they had submitted a formal request to meet with the President to voice their opposition. Instead, the government chose to consult only with the Community Council regarding potential compensatory measures. The group rejects these measures, arguing that no compensation can restore the environmental harm the facility would cause. They further claim they have received no information from the Community Council regarding the discussions held during the meeting with the President.

The situation highlights ongoing friction between local development plans and environmental conservation efforts. The group maintains that the project should not proceed under any circumstances, prioritizing the preservation of the coastline over any form of compensation. There is currently no mention of further scheduled negotiations between the protest group and the executive government.