Parliamentary elections taking place Sunday in Cyprus may fundamentally alter the Mediterranean island’s political structure, as public dissatisfaction with corruption issues and escalating living expenses strengthens backing for emerging political groups.
While Cyprus’s executive authority remains with the presidential office, increased success for political outsiders might divide parliament and create obstacles for supporting government proposals.
Polling data indicates that reform-focused movement ALMA and liberal party Volt may secure parliamentary seats for the first time, while far-right ELAM appears positioned to expand its presence, possibly becoming the third-largest force in the 56-member legislative body. This transformation would break the long-standing control held by Communist AKEL and right-wing DISY parties.
These developments might weaken backing for at least two of the three parties that supported President Nikos Christodoulides’ 2023 electoral victory, marking the initial nationwide evaluation of public opinion at his term’s midpoint.
Citizen trust has suffered in recent years due to a cash-for-passports controversy involving wealthy international investors, along with postponements of energy infrastructure developments that have resulted in Cypriots facing some of Europe’s steepest electricity costs.
Political analyst Christoforos Christoforou explained, “It’s going to be a vote of protest towards established parties which will also, to an extent, be directed towards the government.”
An unprecedented 753 candidates representing more than 18 parties are competing for seats. The current parliament includes seven represented parties.
Former auditor general Odysseas Michaelides, who established ALMA following his 2024 removal from office — which he claims resulted from his persistent inquiries about government expenditures — stated that voters have lost faith in the entire political framework.
Surveys place ALMA at approximately 8% to 10% support, as the movement advocates for stronger anti-corruption protections and institutional reforms.
Volt Cyprus, a pro-European organization polling beyond the 3.6% requirement for parliamentary entry, maintains that numerous voters feel disconnected due to corruption and insufficient accountability. Co-chair Andromachi Sophocleous characterized this as the consequence of existing in a “dysfunctional state.”
“We feel that the public is completely fed up with politics not bringing any improvement to their lives,” she told Reuters.
