Nicosia, Cyprus. A Green Party candidate withdrew from parliamentary elections on Thursday after reporting threats to police and leaving his home following a dispute with his landlord.
Withdrawal and formal procedures
According to Phileleftheros, Datis Kalali, a fifth-year medical student at the University of Cyprus, decided to end his candidacy after a series of events linked to his participation in the election campaign. He said he had emailed the interior ministry to formally withdraw and would also submit the required letter to the Nicosia district officer.
Kalali said the situation had caused him significant trouble and that he had entered politics without personal interests. He added that he would be a doctor in a few months.
Dispute with landlord
Kalali said the dispute with his landlord intensified after it became known that he was standing as a parliamentary candidate. According to his account, the landlord questioned the €500 deposit required for candidates and was dissatisfied after being told that the Green Party had covered the amount.
The disagreement occurred amid existing financial difficulties involving rent payments.
Rent payments and welfare support
Kalali said social welfare services cover most of the household rent, while he contributes €220 from his own income. He said delays in the renewal of his welfare contract had postponed payments for the past three months, although the outstanding sums are expected to be paid retrospectively within weeks.
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