Akel sets goal for 2028 presidential elections

Akel General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou has announced that the party's primary objective for the 2028 presidential elections is to stop what he described as the downward course of Cyprus. Speaking at the 28th District Conference of Akel in Larnaca, Stefanou attributed the nation's current social crises—specifically high inflation, housing shortages, and energy and water insecurities—to the policies implemented by the Anastasiades-Disy and Christodoulides administrations. He argued that these long-term political decisions have led to systemic social deadlocks.

In subsequent media statements, Stefanou confirmed that the party is actively vetting a potential presidential candidate. He stated that while the candidate does not necessarily need to be a prominent political figure, they must possess credibility and a strong understanding of public life. Stefanou dismissed speculation regarding specific individuals, including economist Tasos Yiasemides, while noting that former negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis could be part of the selection discussion. Furthermore, Stefanou criticized President Nikos Christodoulides' handling of the Cyprus problem as 'unacceptable,' claiming the president has failed to convince the UN of his commitment to a settlement. As the party prepares to end its thirteen-year period in opposition, the proposal for a candidate is expected to be presented to the party's politburo for consideration.