Public dispute between Stefanos Stefanou and Odysseas Michaelides over the Vasiliko project

A public dispute has escalated between AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou and political figure Odysseas Michaelides regarding the Vasiliko terminal project. Michaelides alleged that Stefanou pressured former Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou to award the project to specific subcontractors, labeling the move illegal. Stefanou has categorically denied these accusations, calling them lies and challenging Papanastasiou to confirm whether any such pressure occurred. Stefanou further stated that the decision to retain the subcontractors was a government initiative, not his own. The conflict, which began around May 8-11, 2026, intensified following remarks made during a parliamentary Energy Committee meeting and subsequent interviews. AKEL has issued official statements condemning Michaelides' claims as dishonest attempts to frame himself as a corruption fighter for political gain. Michaelides maintains that Stefanou's positions during the committee session and subsequent public comments were contradictory, suggesting an alignment of interests regarding government contracts. Both parties have threatened to release confidential records to support their respective versions of events.