Keravnos rejects calls to resign over Great Sea Interconnector concerns

Nicosia, Cyprus. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Tuesday he is not considering resigning following calls by Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos for him to step down over his reservations about the planned Great Sea Interconnector project.

Response to Diko leader

Speaking on Ant1, Keravnos said he was “not sure” whether Papadopoulos realised that he is a member of Diko.

“I belong [to the party]. I am not sure if Papadopoulos realises I belong,” he said.

Asked whether Papadopoulos’ comments had upset him, Keravnos said they had not.

“They did not upset me at all, because I concern myself with serious matters which concern the people of this country and the future of this country,” he said.

When asked whether he was considering resigning, he replied: “Why would I be considering resigning?”

“I am not monitoring and I am not concerning myself with anyone’s statements,” he added.

Papadopoulos’ criticism

Papadopoulos said on Sunday that Keravnos continued to “demonise” the project without presenting studies or data to support his position.

“Therefore, for us, a very serious question arises: why, according to the finance minister, is the president promoting a project which he believes will be disastrous for the country?” he said.

“If the finance minister disagrees with this project to such an extent, why does he not resign?” he added.

Project concerns

Keravnos has historically been the least enthusiastic cabinet member regarding the interconnector, which, if completed, would connect the energy grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.

Earlier this month, he warned that the project could cost considerably more than the currently projected €1.9 billion and questioned whether it would reduce consumer electricity prices.