Diko leader questions finance minister’s stance on government decisions

Nicosia, Cyprus. Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos on Thursday questioned whether Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is following government decisions, asking whether there are “two governments”. Speaking on Sigma TV, he cited what he described as differences between Keravnos and President Nikos Christodoulides.

Dispute over interconnector

Papadopoulos said Christodoulides fully supports the Great Sea Interconnector, despite Keravnos’ stated scepticism about the project.

Earlier this month, Keravnos told MPs in parliament that the interconnector could cost considerably more than the advertised €1.9 billion. He also questioned whether it would ultimately reduce electricity costs. Papadopoulos disagreed, arguing that an electricity connection with Greece would benefit consumers.

Over the weekend, Papadopoulos asked why Keravnos would not resign if he considered the project “disastrous” for the country. On Thursday, he said the question had been rhetorical and that he was not asking the minister to quit.

“A minister may disagree with government decisions. But he either resigns because he disagrees with these decisions, or he implements the decisions despite his disagreement,” Papadopoulos said.

Other policy differences

Papadopoulos also cited formally announced government decisions that he said Keravnos had refused to implement. He pointed to an apparent difference of opinion on pension reform between Keravnos and Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas.