A wave of controversy has arisen in Larnaca following the resignation of Member of Parliament Christos Orphanides (DIKO) from the ad hoc committee overseeing the port and marina development project. The decision was formally conveyed in a letter addressed to Larnaca’s Mayor, Andreas Vyras, who chairs the committee.

According to Mr. Orphanides, the root of his dissatisfaction lies with the recent announcement—made during a meeting of the Larnaca City and District Development Committee with the President of the Republic—regarding a new interstate agreement between Cyprus and Greece. Under the agreement, Greece’s Port Planning Authority will be tasked with conducting a study on the future of Larnaca’s port, marina, and surrounding land, as well as preparing the tender process for potential investors.

Mr. Orphanides argues that this decision was presented unexpectedly, without advance notice to the individuals and organizations involved. In his resignation letter, he expresses serious doubts about the Greek Port Planning Authority due to its reported affiliation with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (commonly known by its Greek acronym “TAIPED”), which is currently undergoing reorganization following a decision by Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis. The fund is set to be absorbed into the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations, fueling additional uncertainty around its role and oversight.

Highlighting these concerns, the MP explains that the ad hoc committee, established last June to monitor and support the port and marina projects after a prior agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings was terminated, has effectively lost its purpose. He states that the committee never truly fulfilled its mandate and cannot continue to do so under the new circumstances.

Furthermore, Mr. Orphanides references comments made at the end of the presidential meeting which dismissed criticism as “populist.” These remarks reinforced his conclusion that the committee is now unable to constructively influence the development process.

Despite stepping down, Mr. Orphanides underlines his ongoing commitment to promoting growth in Larnaca. He emphasizes that local residents are eager to see tangible progress after years of announcements and cancellations. According to the MP, the revitalization of the port and marina is vital not just for Larnaca but for Cyprus as a whole, with potential benefits in tourism, industry, and regional development.