Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus, a stable pillar in the Mediterranean, can act as a bridge to Europe, speakers said at a conference entitled ‘Cyprus Forward: Shaping EU and Mediterranean Horizons,’ organised by “The Parliament Magazine” at the EU House in Nicosia.

In a recorded message, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said that the cost of war is already being felt across the world. She stressed that ‘in moments like this, when trust and reliability are at a premium, it is crucial that we strengthen partnerships,’ noting that this is the main goal of the Pact for the Mediterranean: to strengthen ties with countries in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf, to build resilience across economies and to share in the benefits of cooperation, trust-building and prosperity.

The Commissioner spoke about the importance of collaboration in fields such as renewable energy sources, protection of infrastructure from cyberattacks, migration management, investment in skills and tackling skills gaps.

‘The Pact focuses on long-term solutions, and it works in parallel with bilateral partnerships,’ she said, referring to the EU’s strategic comprehensive partnerships with Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan. ‘We intend to move ahead with talks with Morocco and Lebanon,’ she added, while also stressing the need for peace in Palestine through a two-state solution, and in Syria through support for socio-economic recovery.

Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, Loucas Fourlas (EPP), noted that as a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, he witnesses every day that Europe’s security, stability and prosperity are connected to developments in the wider neighbourhood, especially in the Mediterranean region.

He highlighted that Cyprus stands at the heart of this region, serving as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and stressed that the island can play an important role in shaping Europe’s future strategy.

Additionally, Fourlas said that ‘Europe must remain competitive in a world where global competition is increasing every day,’ noting that other economies are moving quickly and Europe cannot afford to fall behind. ‘We need investment, innovation and smart policies that support growth while protecting our values,’ he noted.

He also highlighted that the EU must continue to support open trade and international cooperation. ‘Europe becomes stronger when it works together with trusted partners,’ he noted, adding that Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean region can contribute to this effort.

‘We can become a hub for connectivity, energy, shipping, technology, tourism and regional cooperation. We can help strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across Europe,’ he said.

Regarding energy, Fourlas stressed that it is now a matter of security and stability. ‘Europe needs secure, affordable and cleaner energy systems,’ he said, noting that Cyprus can contribute to Europe’s energy future through regional cooperation projects and stronger connections with neighboring countries. ‘Energy cooperation can bring stability, growth and long-term benefits for the entire region,’ he added.

Speaking on defence and security, he said that the region faces challenges including war, instability, hybrid threats, cyberattacks and migration pressures.

‘Cyprus understands these challenges well. We live in a sensitive region, but we have also demonstrated that we can be a reliable partner and a pillar of stability,’ he said.

Concluding, Fourlas said that Cyprus is at the frontline ahead of its Presidency of the Council of the EU. ‘It should remain there as a strong pillar of stability, cooperation and security in the region,’ he added.

Thea Pieridou, Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, noted that the Mediterranean is once again becoming central to Europe’s strategic outlook. In this context, she said, Cyprus holds a unique and meaningful role, naturally connecting Europe with the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East regions.

This role, she continued, takes on particular significance by strengthening Europe’s ability to remain present in a region of strategic importance. She also pointed to the important role of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, which, she said, ‘is now helping to steer discussions on key European priorities, ensuring coordination with the region and a clear sense of direction.’

Quoting European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who described Cyprus as ‘Europe’s lighthouse in the region,’ Pieridou noted that Cyprus’ Presidency is proving to be a crucial bridge for dialogue, cooperation and stability between Europe and the wider region.

Speaking about priorities currently being advanced at the European level in response to global challenges, Pieridou referred to strengthening energy resilience, accelerating strategic infrastructure projects to support a more competitive Europe, and reinforcing Europe’s security and defence capabilities.

‘In recent months, the Parliament has repeatedly stressed the need for Europe to become more resilient, less dependent on external vulnerabilities and better prepared to respond collectively to crises,’ she said.

She underlined the significant legislative work already advancing in areas such as energy interconnectivity, electricity grids, industrial capacity, digital resilience and defence readiness, noting the significance of these initiatives for the Mediterranean region.

Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), took part in a fireside conversation with Christopher Alessi, Editor-in-Chief of The Parliament Magazine.

Stavrou also stressed Cyprus’ strategic position in connecting people, businesses and nations from Europe to Africa, the Middle East and beyond. ‘Cyprus has always been a hub linking Europe with the region,’ he said.

He highlighted that business alliances form the foundation upon which political alliances are built.

He also pointed out that Cyprus can act as a facilitator in finding solutions to regional problems, not only because of its geographical position but also due to its relations with neighboring countries.

Referring to a recent business delegation visit to India, Stavrou noted that international partners share this assessment. ‘They identify Cyprus as a gateway,’ he said, adding that businesspeople in India were eager to learn more about Cyprus.

‘On the way back, everybody was thrilled about the appetite among people in India to move into Europe,’ he said, noting interest in sectors such as innovation, technology, energy, tourism, connectivity, shipping and investment.

Asked about the challenges European businesses face today, Stavrou said that overregulation must be simplified. He urged Brussels to become more of a facilitator rather than merely a regulator.

As he pointed out, just five US companies have a larger market capitalization than all listed companies in Europe combined, stressing that overregulation creates costs in time, productivity and even financing.

The Police and the Environment Department of the British Bases (BB) have been conducting joint operations since January against the illegal training of hunting dogs in protected areas in Akrotiri, Episkopi, and Paramali.

According to a ?? statement, the training of hunting dogs within the Special Protection Zones in the BB is prohibited under the Hunting and Wild Birds Law, as these areas are considered among the most important habitats in Cyprus for migratory species and for species that breed in the region.

As explained by BB’s Senior Environmental Officer, Alexia Perdiou, ‘many of these species nest on the ground or in low vegetation and are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.’

‘Although enforcement efforts focus on the most sensitive protected areas, the public is reminded that training hunting dogs is prohibited throughout the entire BB territory and out-of-court fines are imposed,’ she continued.

‘Training hunting dogs can have particularly serious consequences. Dogs moving through natural habitats may disturb breeding birds, causing them to abandon their nests and leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators. Repeated disturbance may eventually force birds to abandon important nesting areas entirely,” Perdiou said.

“This is of particular concern in the months following the end of the hunting season, when hunting dog training activities often coincide with the nesting period of many species of wild birds,’ she further noted.

BB Sergeant Antonis Demetriou, pointed out that violators are subject to an out-of-court fine of pound 300 or, if convicted, face imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to pound 3,417, or both penalties.

‘Drones and other specialised equipment are being used to monitor large areas of natural habitats affected by illegal activity, and we will continue our joint operations while urging hunters to avoid training dogs in these areas, in order to protect important bird species and their habitats,’ he added.

Any illegal dog training activity should be reported to the BB Police at 1443, the statement concludes.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 26/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 27/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure and unstable air mass are affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with increased low cloud coverage at times during the night and in the morning.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, later locally West 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3, locally at first West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally Southwest to West 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest 3, soon locally Variable 2 to 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southwest to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

European University Cyprus Students Support Special Olympics Cyprus through Volunteering and Community Service

European University Cyprus (EUC) reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and health promotion through the participation of its students in the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Screening Event, held on April 29, 2026, in Nicosia.

The EUC Special Olympics Club in collaboration with over 30 volunteer students and a team of dedicated volunteer physicians and healthcare professionals, conducted a comprehensive preventive medical screening for athletes of Special Olympics Cyprus. The event brought together a multidisciplinary team of volunteers to deliver a wide range of health assessments, reflecting the EUC’s longstanding commitment to community service and the well-being of people with special capabilities. The screenings included assessments in vision, nutrition, oral/dental health, physical therapy, and overall wellness.

Led by the Club’s own members and Lions International ophthalmologists, the EUC Special Olympics Club successfully carried out vision screenings for more than 55 athletes. The initiative extended well beyond eye care, with participants also receiving dental, podiatric, physiotherapy, and nutritional assessments.

Special thanks were extended to the Medical, Dentistry, and Nutrition and Dietetics students at European University Cyprus, whose dedicated involvement was invaluable in supporting the multidisciplinary health assessments provided to the athletes.

The initiative provided students with a unique experiential learning opportunity, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, collaborate with professionals from diverse healthcare disciplines, and offer meaningful support to athletes who embody strength, perseverance, and dignity. The EUC Special Olympics Club continues to champion humanitarian causes across Cyprus, consistent with the mission of EUC.

“Events like these embody the very spirit of Volunteering, serving those who need us most, and doing so with skill, compassion, and teamwork,” said by the Advisor of the Special Olympics Student Club Prof. Dia Voniatis. “We are proud of every volunteer who gave their time and expertise to make this day possible.”

Special Olympics Cyprus praised the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the health and welfare of its athletes, who benefit greatly from regular preventive care.

Education with Social Impact

At European University Cyprus, the student experience extends far beyond the classroom and laboratory. Through structured volunteering initiatives, community outreach activities, and collaborations with leading organizations in Cyprus and abroad, students develop essential skills while cultivating a strong sense of social responsibility.

EUC actively encourages student participation in initiatives that advance health, dignity, and equal opportunities for all, preparing graduates who combine scientific expertise with a human-centered approach and a genuine commitment to serving society.

European University Cyprus continues to foster a vibrant academic community where academic excellence is closely linked to social responsibility, demonstrating that knowledge achieves its greatest value when translated into action and has a positive impact on the wider community.

Petros Nacouzi was elected on Sunday as the new representative of the Maronite Religious Group in the House of Representatives.

An official announcement said that, according to the Returning Officer for Representatives of the Maronite, Armenian, and Latin Religious Groups, out of 4,624 registered voters, 3,186 voted (68.90%), while abstentions totaled 1,438 (31.10%). A total of 3,125 ballots (98.09%) were valid, 34 (1.07%) were invalid, and 27 (0.84%) were blank.

Marios Mavrides received 1,519 votes (48.61%), while Petros Nacouzi received 1,606 votes (51.39%).

Based on these results, Nakouzi is elected as the Representative of the Maronite Religious Group in the House of Representatives of Cyprus. His official proclamation will take place today at 12 noon at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

The representatives of the Latin and Armenian religious groups were elected unopposed.

Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), one of the most important and largest professional accounting bodies internationally, in the context of the recent official visit of President Nikos Christodoulides to India.

A press release by ICPAC issued Monday says that the agreement constitutes an important milestone for the further strengthening of professional and business relations between Cyprus and India and confirms the Institute’s strategic commitment to developing high-value-added international partnerships with leading professional bodies worldwide.

The Memorandum was signed in India by Chrysilios Pelekanos, President of the Cyprus-India Business Association, who was authorized by the President of ICPAC, Odysseas Christodoulou, to sign on behalf of the Association, within the framework of the official Cyprus delegation to India.

ICAI, the press release reads, is among the most influential professional accounting bodies internationally, playing a decisive role in the development, regulation and evolution of the profession at an international level.

The press release says that through the Memorandum, the two organizations create a comprehensive framework for cooperation in areas of common interest, including the exchange of know-how and best practices, professional education and continuing training, the development of joint professional and educational initiatives, the organization of conferences as well as the enhancement of the quality and international recognition of the accounting and auditing profession.

As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with the High Commissioner of India, Manish Manish, confirming the excellent level of relations between the two countries and the significant prospects for further development of bilateral professional and business cooperation.

The signing of the Memorandum is part of ICPAC’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its international presence and further consolidate Cyprus as a reliable and competitive international center for professional services, the press release further reads.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 25/05/2026 UNTIL 1200 26/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure and unstable air mass are affecting the area. Isolated showers are likely during the afternoon.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Northwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast North to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southwest to West 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, gradually Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3, soon near the coast Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1130

Actions and priorities of the Office of Cyprus Commissioner for State Aid Control were discussed between Commissioner, Stella Michaelidou, member of the European Court of Auditors, Lefteris Christoforou and Director of his Office, Theodoros Tsiolas, at a meeting on May 21st, as Cyprus is getting ready to host on June 8-9 for the first time representatives from all EU member states that will take decisions on topics regarding state aid issues.

A press release issued by the Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control said that the Commissioner referred to the actions made to upgrade the institutional role of the Office “not only as a compliance tool but also as a leverage for growth, aiming to ensure compatible state aid, but also of promoting strategic aid that strengthens and modernizes the economy.

The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of the Office’s participation in the Competition Working Group on State Aid issues during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and highlighted the role the Office plays in shaping State Aid regulations, noting that the State Aid Working Group meeting in Cyprus, on June 8 and 9, organized by the Office marks a milestone in its history, as it will host representatives from all member states in Cyprus for the first time to discuss and take decisions on issues related to state aid.

Christoforou outlined the Court of Auditors’ responsibilities and highlighted, among other things, how and to what extent they concern the State Aid sector.

Both Lefteris Christoforou and Theodosis Tsiolas congratulated the Commissioner and the Office’s staff on the work being carried out and expressed their hope that the goals set for 2026-2027 would be achieved, the press release concluded.

Quite a few new faces, along with others who also served in the previous House of Representatives, have secured seats in the new legislature, according to the results of the preferential vote count in Sunday’s parliamentary elections.

In the Nicosia district, the Democratic Rally (DISY) and the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) each secured five seats, the Democratic Party (DIKO) and National Peoples’ Front (ELAM) three each, while ALMA won two seats and Direct Democracy one.

From DISY, the elected candidates are Dimitris Demetriou with 13,157 votes, Giorgos Pamboridis with 12,040, Savia Orphanidou with 11,371, Andreas Constantinou with 10,238, and Charalambos Petrides with 8,252 votes.

From AKEL, the party’s General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou secures a seat without preferential votes. Also elected are Christos Christofides with 10,911 votes, Aristos Damianou with 10,673, George Loucaides with 10,523, and Constantinos Constantinou with 9,986 votes.

From ELAM, party president Christos Christou takes a seat without preferential votes. Also elected are Marios Pelekanos with 6,681 votes and Andreas Papacharalambous with 2,966 votes.

From DIKO, its leader Nikolas Papadopoulos secures a seat without preferential votes, while the other two seats go to Christiana Erotokritou with 5,844 votes and Chrysis Pantelides with 4,541 votes.

From ALMA one seat is taken by party president Odysseas Michaelides, while the second goes to Irene Charalambidou with 5,943 votes.

Finally, the Direct Democracy seat in Nicosia goes to MEP Fidias Panayiotou with 5,108 votes. If he declines the seat, it will pass to Yiannis Laouris, who came second with 1,700 votes.

In the Limassol district, DISY secured four seats, AKEL three, ELAM two, while DIKO, Direct Democracy, and ALMA each won one seat.

From DISY, the elected candidates are Fotini Tsiridou with 6,956 votes, Giorgos Karaiskakis with 5,504, Michalis Fellas with 4,856, and Michalis Kounounis with 3,473 votes.

From AKEL, elected are Efraim Christou with 4,966 votes, Marina Nikolaou with 4,294, and Argentoula Ioannou with 3,803 votes.

From ELAM, elected are Polys Anogyriatis with 2,970 votes and Evgenios Chamboullas with 2,710 votes.

From DIKO, Panikos Leonidou is elected with 3,352 votes, while from Direct Democracy, Dimitris Souglis is elected with 2,766 votes.

From ALMA the single seat is won by Michalis Paraskeva with 1,408 votes.

In the Famagusta district, DISY’s three seats went to Giorgos Karoullas with 9,540 votes, Nikos Georgiou with 7,723, and Georgios Lysandridis with 6,827 votes.

AKEL’s three seats were won by Nikos Kettiros with 11,510 votes, Giorgos Koukoumas with 9,292, and Giannakis Gavriel with 4,120 votes.

In addition, ELAM’s two seats went to Linos Papagiannis with 7,003 votes and Linos Ioannis Hadzigeorgiou with 4,869, while DIKO’s single seat was won by Zacharias Koulias with 2,700 votes.

Finally, from Direct Democracy, Diana Lucia Constantinidou is elected with 1,657 votes, while from ALMA – Citizens for Cyprus, Theodoulitsa (Litsa) Drousiotou is elected with 511 votes.

In the Kyrenia district, AKEL’s one seat was won by Anastasia Hasikou with 2,240 votes, DISY’s one seat by Demos Georgiades with 1,935 votes, and DIKO’s one seat by Adamos Aspris with 776 votes.

In the Larnaca district, DISY and AKEL each secured two seats, while DIKO and ELAM won one each.

From AKEL, Andreas Pasiourtides is re-elected with 7,698 votes, while Panikos Xiourouppas is elected with 5,090 votes.

From DISY, one seat is taken by Annita Demetriou as party president (without preferential votes), while the second seat goes to Prodromos Alambritis with 7,297 votes.

From DIKO, Andreas Apostolou is elected with 3,679 votes, while from ELAM, Sotiris Ioannou is re-elected with 3,158 votes.

In the Paphos district, DISY’s two seats went to Charalambos Pazaros with 4,609 votes and Nicoletta Constantinou with 3,608 votes.

AKEL’s one seat was won by Valentinos Fakontis with 3,943 votes, DIKO’s one seat by Chrysanthos Savvides with 4,778 votes, and Direct Democracy’s one seat by Dimitris Baros with 280 votes.

Cyprus officially proclaimed on Monday the 56 new Members of Parliament elected in the May 24 parliamentary elections, formally shaping the composition of the new House of Representatives, which is expected to convene for the first time on June 4.

The proclamation ceremony at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre was attended by party leaders, senior political figures, relatives and supporters of the newly elected MPs, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary term amid significant political shifts, the emergence of new political movements and a changing electoral landscape.

The process began with the proclamation of MPs elected through the first allocation of seats, carried out in alphabetical order of the political parties and according to the highest number of preference votes received by candidates within each party.

The proclamation of MPs from the Nicosia district was conducted by Nicosia District Returning Officer Andreas Hadjipakkos. From AKEL, Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou, Giorgos Loukaides, Christos Christofides and Aristos Damianou were officially proclaimed. From ALMA, party leader Odysseas Michaelides secured election to parliament.

From Democratic Rally, Demetres Demetriou, Giorgos Pamboridis, Savia Orphanidou, Andreas Constantinou and Charalambos Petrides were proclaimed. Constantinou’s election is expected to trigger a by-election for the position of deputy mayor in the Aglantzia municipal district.

Democratic Party leader Nikolas Papadopoulos was also proclaimed, alongside ELAM president Christos Christou. From the movement Direct Democracy, Yiannis Laouris entered parliament after party leader Fidias Panayiotou decided to retain his seat in the European Parliament.

The proclamation for Limassol was conducted by Returning Officer Emily Dionysiou. AKEL candidates Ephraim Christou and Marina Nicolaou were proclaimed, with 24-year-old Christou becoming the youngest MP in the new parliament. Panicos Leonidou was elected for DIKO, while DISY secured seats for Fotini Tsiridou, Giorgos Karaiskakis and Michalis Fellas. ELAM’s Polys Anogyriatis also entered parliament.

For Famagusta district, Returning Officer Florentia Georgiou proclaimed AKEL MPs Nikos Kettiros and Giorgos Koukoumas, DISY MPs Giorgos Karoullas, Nikos Georgiou and Giorgos Lyssandridis, as well as ELAM’s Linos Papayiannis.

For Larnaca district, under Returning Officer Georgia Loizia, Andreas Pasiourtides was proclaimed for AKEL, while DISY president Annita Demetriou secured election. In Paphos, Returning Officer Euphrosyne Georgiou Flourentzou proclaimed Valentinos Fakontis for AKEL and Charalambos Pazaros for DISY.

The ceremony continued with the proclamation of MPs elected through the second and third seat allocation rounds, conducted by Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elia. For Nicosia, Constantinos Constantinou of AKEL, Irene Charalambidou of ALMA, Christiana Erotokritou and Chrisis Pantelides of DIKO, along with Marios Pelekanos and Andreas Papacharalambous of ELAM, were officially declared elected.

For Limassol, Argentoula Ioannou of AKEL, Michalis Paraskevas of ALMA, Demetris Souglis of Direct Democracy, Michalis Kounounis of DISY and Evgenios Chamboulas of ELAM were proclaimed.

For Famagusta, Yiannakis Gavriel of AKEL, Litsa Drousiotou of ALMA, Diana Lucia Constantinidis of Direct Democracy, Zacharias Koulias of DIKO and Linos Hadjigeorgiou of ELAM secured seats.

From Larnaca, Panicos Xiourouppas of AKEL, Andreas Apostolou of DIKO, Prodromos Alampritis of DISY and Sotiris Ioannou of ELAM were proclaimed. In Paphos, Dimitris Baros of Direct Democracy, Chrysanthos Savvides of DIKO and Nicoletta Constantinou of DISY entered parliament, while in Kyrenia district Anastasia Hasikou of AKEL, Adamos Aspris of DIKO and Dimos Georgiades of DISY were proclaimed.

During the ceremony, representatives of Cyprus’ religious groups in parliament were also formally presented. Petros Nacouzi was proclaimed representative of the Maronite community. It was also recalled that Vartkes Mahdessian, representative of the Armenian religious group, and Antonella Lydia Mantovani, representative of the Latin religious group, had already been proclaimed elected on May 7 without opposition.

Speaking after the ceremony, DISY President Annita Demetriou said Cyprus must move forward ‘with responsibility, stability and perspective,’ stressing that voters had chosen ‘security, moderation and policies that deliver results.’ She described the coming political period as ‘a decisive battle for the country,’ emphasizing the need for seriousness and clear positions against political toxicity and divisive rhetoric.

AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou expressed satisfaction with his party’s performance, saying AKEL emerged ‘stronger and more united,’ increasing both its vote share and number of votes despite what he described as a difficult political climate and record participation by parties and candidates. Stefanou added that discussions regarding the presidency of the House of Representatives would take place in the coming days.

ELAM President Christos Christou said that ‘hard work begins from today’ as the party prepares to address the challenges faced by society in the post-election period. Christou said it was particularly important that ELAM had succeeded in forming a strong parliamentary group within the House of Representatives. He also expressed his gratitude to both the party’s candidates and supporters for their backing and trust, stressing that ELAM intends to assume its share of responsibility and begin serious and sustained work on the problems affecting society.

ALMA leader Odysseas Michaelides announced that he would not seek the presidency of the House, describing the election result as ‘a new beginning’ and an opportunity to push for institutional reforms and changes in the functioning of the state through parliamentary work.

Meanwhile, Fidias Panayiotou confirmed he would remain a Member of the European Parliament, arguing that it was beneficial for the Direct Democracy movement to maintain representation at the European level. Commenting on the election outcome, he said the result ‘cannot be described as a failure’ adding that while the party could have performed better, entering parliament constituted ‘a small victory’ and the beginning of hard work ahead.