Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides has been warned that his relations with Elam may create “serious problems” for him at the European level, according to reports.
Warning from EPP leadership
Newspaper Politis reported that Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), told Christodoulides that “the continuation of the impression that Elam is Christodoulides’ closest interlocutor” could lead to political issues.
According to the report, if Christodoulides continues to be viewed in Europe as a close interlocutor of Elam, it would become “impossible for him to continue to be accepted within the European centre-right”.
Politis added that this would mean Christodoulides risks finding himself politically isolated at the European level or being pushed towards more marginal political groups. It said that for a president who invests in presenting himself as a reliable European leader, such a possibility would be extremely negative.
EPP network and influence
The report noted that many high-profile European political figures belong to the EPP, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
It also said Christodoulides has often used these connections to present himself as a leader of influence in Europe.
Domestic political context
The reports of disquiet within the EPP come as Christodoulides is reportedly seeking new political allies to strengthen his government’s ability to pass legislation through parliament following next month’s election.
Polling suggests that the three parties that endorsed him in the 2023 presidential election and have since supported his government—Diko, Dipa, and Edek—will all face weaker results on May 24.
While Cyprus’ presidential system means the government cannot fall regardless of the election result, a parliament dominated by political adversaries could frustrate the government’s efforts to implement its programme.
How could the election result affect the government’s ability to pass legislation?
