President Christodoulides breaks away from party politics

When the election results were announced on June 9, traditional political parties were left in a state of confusion, struggling to understand the surprising victory of Phidias Panayiotou.

Already reeling from a decline in support, the leadership within these parties faced growing internal dissent. Despite this political upheaval, the election outcome seemed not to trouble the presidency.

In fact, President Nikos Christodoulides appeared to distance himself from party politics, emphasizing his non-partisan identity and reinforcing his intent to pursue an agenda supported directly by citizens, regardless of party affiliation.

However, the president faces significant challenges that complicate his tenure and could hinder his prospects for re-election. Three key factors will shape his administration leading up to next September: Cyprus's political landscape, relations with coalition partners and opposition, and his public image and credibility.

One pressing issue is the Cyprus problem. President Christodoulides has declared his readiness to engage in negotiations, but there are doubts about whether this stance is genuinely aimed at achieving progress or merely a tactic to deflect blame if talks fail.

Diplomatic sources suggest that Nicosia is preparing to restart discussions, potentially using legal provisions from Cyprus's EU accession treaty. Yet, there are concerns about the president's motives, particularly following his announcement of a meeting date before it was officially confirmed. Critics argue this move was more about scoring political points than making substantive progress.

The president's relations with the United Nations are also under scrutiny, especially after his unilateral announcement of the meeting date, which some believe has strained ties with the UN and its peacekeeping force. Additionally, the government's handling of migrants in the buffer zone has further complicated relations, as Cyprus has been accused of ignoring international conventions.

Domestically, the president's position within the coalition government is becoming increasingly precarious. Some coalition members are skeptical of his approach to the Cyprus issue, suspecting that his actions are intended to expose Turkey rather than foster genuine dialogue. This has led to tensions within the coalition, particularly with the Democratic Party (DIKO) and the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK), which have shown signs of discontent. The upcoming September meeting will likely test the president's relationship with these parties and determine whether they will continue to support his administration.

As the next election looms, political maneuvering is already underway. The president's shifting communication strategy—modeled after Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aims to maintain direct contact with citizens, bypassing traditional media and political intermediaries. Despite this, President Christodoulides faces an uphill battle. His image has been tarnished by the demands of governance and criticism of his handling of key issues. Whether he can rehabilitate his reputation and secure a second term remains uncertain, but the coming months will be critical in defining his legacy.

[Summary of Marina Economides' original story in Greek published in Kathimerini's Cyprus edition]