Newsroom
Wages that fail to keep up with bills, families struggling to afford the basics and people feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods: businessman John Christodoulou says these are among the reasons he is seriously considering running for president.
In a public statement, Christodoulou confirmed that individuals and political parties had approached him about a possible bid in the 2028 election. He has not made a final decision and plans to announce his intentions in early 2027.
His message focuses on concerns familiar to households across Cyprus: how far a salary stretches, whether help reaches people who need it and whether residents feel safe walking home.
Christodoulou also cited the unresolved Cyprus problem, saying the country’s challenges could not continue to be addressed in the same way.
He made particular reference to Kaimakli, where his own home is located, describing the Cyprus he wants to see: one where nobody goes hungry, nobody has to live on the streets and nobody fears returning home at night.
A possible move into politics
Christodoulou said he is not a politician and had never planned a political career. However, he said he could not remain indifferent to the country’s problems.
Decisions about Cyprus’ future should serve the country’s interests rather than the next election, he argued.
The businessman believes he could contribute in areas including the economy, security and social welfare. His statement, however, did not set out detailed proposals for tackling the problems he identified.
For voters, those details would be an important next step if he decides to run: how he would help households facing financial pressure, improve neighborhood safety and approach the Cyprus issue.
Family considerations before a final answer
Christodoulou acknowledged that entering the presidential race would be a major personal decision, affecting both his family and his way of life.
He said he would weigh the implications and consult people he trusts before announcing his decision.
For now, his name joins the discussion about who could contest the presidency in 2028, with a possible candidacy still under consideration.
Whatever he decides, Christodoulou said he would continue working toward a better Cyprus. Whether that effort will include asking voters to put him in the Presidential Palace should become clear early next year.
John Christodoulou is a Cyprus-born property businessman and owner of Yianis Group, whose portfolio includes homes, offices, hotels and retail properties across the United Kingdom and Europe. Born in Kaimakli, Nicosia, in 1965, he moved to London as a child following the 1974 Turkish invasion. He also founded the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation, which supports children’s education and well-being, particularly in Cyprus.
