Akel leader Stefanou sets out seven priorities for 2028 presidential election and calls for change

Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou set out the party’s priorities for the 2028 presidential election on Saturday, calling for a change of government and a new course on the Cyprus problem, the economy and foreign policy.

Electoral framework and seven priorities

Stefanou spoke to Akel’s central committee, which met to approve the party’s electoral framework. He presented seven priorities for what he called progressive change, and strongly criticised the governments of former President Nicos Anastasiades and current President Nikos Christodoulides.

He said elections carry deep political meaning for the party. In his view, they are not a matter of individual ambitions or agendas, but of the ability to discuss the substance of everything that shapes the reality of Cyprus as a state and of its citizens.

Blame for the country’s condition

Stefanou held both leaders responsible for what he described as a deplorable situation in the country. He argued that the problems facing Cyprus stem from deliberate political choices. As he put it: “It concerns specific political choices that were made and led us here.”

Accusations over banks and the 2013 haircut

Stefanou accused Anastasiades of breaking his election promises through the 2013 haircut on bank deposits. He said the measure devastated thousands of households and small and medium-sized businesses.

He also alleged that the cooperative banking sector was deliberately driven into bankruptcy and sold off to rescue a private bank. He added that legislative changes allowed banks to seize people’s property through fast-track procedures.

Corruption allegations over major projects

The Akel leader further accused the previous administration of letting corruption thrive around large development projects, some of which were never completed. In his words, “scandals sprouted like mushrooms in large projects” worth hundreds of millions that were left half-finished and unused. He said that for some people the priority was not the public interest but the percentage of kickbacks they would pocket.

Call for a change of course

Stefanou said progressive change should serve ordinary people and confront vested interests. He added that the policies behind the country’s problems must come to an end.