Firestorm in the Palace

President Nikos Christodoulides is facing his toughest political test yet after a deadly wildfire ripped through Cyprus, triggering public outrage, ministerial infighting, and fresh doubts about his government’s ability to lead.

According to Kathimerini's Marina Economidou, the crisis erupted after the presidency posted a video of Christodoulides grilling his ministers on their relief efforts, an attempt to project control that critics say instead highlighted his sidelining of key officials. Days earlier, he brought in U.S. experts to investigate the fire’s failures, pledging to meet them personally. Supporters saw decisive action; others called it a desperate bid to change the narrative.

Behind the scenes, the fire has reignited four simmering problems: a sense of ungovernability, a battered public image, a climate of mistrust among his team, and the threat of political isolation. The government’s credibility took a further hit when it emerged that the crisis’ official coordinator was abroad on a business trip during the disaster, with the presidency’s blessing.

The decision to bypass the EU’s RescEU disaster-response program, which knows Cyprus’ terrain well, raised eyebrows. Critics suggest the move was designed to avoid exposing sluggish decision-making or mismanagement, while others question whether U.S. findings might simply be buried.

Halfway through his term, Christodoulides is trying to salvage his image through high-profile appearances and foreign policy plays, including an early announcement of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit ahead of Cyprus’ EU presidency. But the lack of a long-promised Cabinet reshuffle has deepened frustration. Ministers privately worry about being turned into political “Iphigenias” sacrificed to save the president, while some complain their successes are overshadowed by colleagues’ failures.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou are both rumored to be considering resignation, with tensions running high over stalled projects, the controversial electricity cable plan, and conflicting policy approaches. Some insiders believe Keravnos’ departure is imminent, with a close presidential ally being lined up as a replacement.

Politically, Christodoulides has fewer friends to call on. DISY has firmly cemented its role in the opposition, DIKO is pulling back amid voter pressure, and far-right ELAM, whose support some presidential allies have openly courted, is now keeping its distance while criticizing the government’s missteps.

With multiple fronts open and his authority under question, Christodoulides must now navigate not only the fallout from the fire but also a growing perception that his administration is adrift.