AKEL calls for investigation into allegations by former energy minister regarding political interference

The main opposition party in Cyprus, AKEL, has formally requested that the Independent Authority Against Corruption investigate public allegations made by former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. In a recent interview, Papanastasiou claimed that political interference and vested interests have deliberately obstructed major infrastructure projects, including the Vasiliko natural gas terminal, leading to significant delays and increased costs. He specifically asserted that these entities manipulate decision-making processes to favor certain contractors over others, stating that "interests and their relationship with political superiors" are responsible for preventing the country from accessing cheaper electricity.

AKEL has demanded that the government of Nikos Christodoulides clarify its role in these processes and explain how such interference is permitted. The party criticized the Independent Authority Against Corruption for failing to launch an ex officio investigation into these public statements, given their potential impact on the public interest and institutional integrity. This controversy emerges against the backdrop of existing investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is currently examining suspected irregularities regarding both the Vasiliko terminal and the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) energy project. The government has yet to issue a definitive response to these demands, while pressure mounts to identify who is responsible for protecting these economic interests.