Odysseas Michaelides, Cyprus’s former Auditor General, officially launched his new political party under the name “Άλμα – Citizens for Cyprus”, marking his long-anticipated entry into the political arena with a call for structural reform and civic engagement.

The announcement took place during a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Prodromou Avenue in Strovolos — the very office Michaelides established a month ago in preparation for this moment. The event drew attention from both the public and political circles, with speculation mounting over which personalities will align themselves with the movement from the outset.

Michaelides, whose popularity remains high following his forced departure from the Auditor General post last September, presented Άλμα (which means "Leap") as more than a political party — describing it as a civic initiative rooted in the desire for radical renewal.

In his founding declaration, Michaelides emphasized that the Cypriot political system has become an obstacle to progress. He proposed a complete institutional reset to build an effective, fair, and dignified society. “Cyprus needs a restart, here and now,” the declaration states.

The party envisions a state driven by public interest and rational governance, committed to human-centered economic development and equitable distribution of wealth. Michaelides called on citizens to join this effort, stating that the power for change is in the hands of the people.

On foreign policy and national unity, Michaelides took a clear stance. The new party affirms support for a federal solution to the Cyprus issue, based on UN resolutions and full compliance with the EU acquis. It rejects the normalization or legitimization of partition, warning against ongoing risks to the sovereignty and unity of the Republic.

The declaration stresses that Cyprus must become a fully secure and functional state without foreign intervention rights and highlights the importance of a single sovereignty, international personality, and citizenship.

Central to Άλμα’s founding principles are dignity, accountability, reform, and sustainable development. The movement vows to confront systemic corruption, inequality, and institutional decay, arguing that public trust in governance has been shattered by cronyism and impunity.

“We do not tolerate corruption, arrogance, or the erosion of meritocracy,” the declaration affirms. It pledges to build a capable state that provides high-quality public goods — from healthcare and education to transportation and environmental protection.

While Άλμα is expected to contest its first election in the 2026 parliamentary race, its sights are clearly set further ahead. According to political observers, Michaelides's broader goal appears to be a presidential bid in 2028.

Early opinion polls that included a hypothetical “Michaelides party” suggested support exceeding 10%, while even in polls without such an option, up to 7% of respondents spontaneously said they would vote for a party led by him.

The coming months will test whether Άλμα can sustain this momentum, attract credible allies, and translate popular trust into electoral viability.

Closing his declaration, Michaelides invited Cypriots to co-create the party's policy program ahead of its full formation in early autumn 2025, calling for a new kind of politics: one of integrity, responsibility, and citizen empowerment.

“Now is the time for Citizens for Cyprus,” the declaration concludes. “Together, let’s make the leap toward the future.”