Strong criticism of the government and the Minister of Finance over the handling of the electricity interconnection project was voiced by DIKO President Nikolas Papadopoulos.

Speaking on RIK, Papadopoulos warned that the government’s approach risks derailing the project altogether. “If this project collapses, it will be a huge victory for Turkey and the occupied areas,” he said, calling it the worst geopolitical defeat for Cyprus since the S-300 missile crisis.

He also voiced concern over reports that the government may submit a viability study to a credit rating agency that has already opposed the project.

DIKO President targeted the government and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, accusing them of contradictory messaging, lack of coordination and disrespect toward coalition partners. 

Accusing President Nikos Christodoulides of failing to respond to a letter he sent, Nikolas Papadopoulos called on him to clarify his position and to implement the agreements he has signed.

The DIKO President questioned whether the President of the Republic agrees with the Minister of Energy, who maintains that the project is viable, or with the Minister of Finance, who—according to Mr Papadopoulos—no one understands, and who claims that the project is not viable.

Nikolas Papadopoulos stated that Makis Keravnos, cloaked in what he described as “mantles of patriotism”, used derogatory language against DIKO, despite the party supporting the government at political cost.

Mr Papadopoulos also questioned whether Makis Keravnos is being portrayed as the sole party responsible, while the European Union and the Ministers of Energy of Cyprus and Greece—who support the project—are deemed blameless.

“With the cable, cheap electricity will come to Cyprus for the first time,” Papadopoulos said, adding that powerful interests oppose the project because it threatens profitable monopolistic structures.