AKEL released a statement with a clear political and ethical message about Irini Charalambidou’s exclusion from the AKEL – Left – New Forces parliamentary group.
The statement says Ms. Charalambidou turned down the proposal framework without suggesting an alternative, which ended discussions. AKEL also mentions that talks can’t continue since she has publicly hinted at running in the next elections with another party.
The full statement from AKEL
Those running with AKEL’s ticket know that the Party has had a three-term limit since 1991, recently changed to two terms at the 2023 Statutory Congress. Only top Party members can have exceptions for one term. All parties ensure their political core is present in Parliament in different ways. Due to term limits, established Party members, members of the Left Movement, and New Forces have finished their time in Parliament.
Given the term limits, we started talks with Ms. Irini Charalambidou to keep our cooperation going. We suggested a framework for her to lead an Observatory on corruption and graft, where she is very active. We also said we were open to discussing any ideas she had for continuing our partnership, which we supported over the years, even when she disagreed with Party choices during key political moments like the last presidential elections.
Since Ms. Charalambidou has rejected our proposal and hasn’t offered any alternatives, discussions are now closed. We can’t continue talks for another important reason. We cannot discuss cooperation while she keeps hinting at running with another party’s ticket in upcoming elections. This stance is unethical and disrespectful to AKEL’s supporters, putting her against the Party and outside the AKEL – Left – New Forces parliamentary group.
Political ethics say that the seat should go back to AKEL. This is the Party’s strong belief that seats belong to parties. It’s up to Ms. Charalambidou to decide what she wants to do about this. Since these events don’t happen in a political vacuum, we need to clarify some points:
AKEL is not a career platform or a chance for anyone’s ambitions. The Left Party isn’t a vehicle for personal goals. For us, politics is about principles and goes beyond just being in Parliament. Without principles, politics and Parliament risk becoming a marketplace where ‘party jerseys’ change based on personal ambitions before elections. This trend, unfortunately more common today, undermines the true meaning of politics, which should be based on collective action, consistent goals and ideas, ethics, and conduct. If some think they gain from this trend today, they should know it will eventually backfire. Sooner or later, this happens with things that devalue politics and erase principles.
We are facing a tough electoral battle during critical times for our country and society. Our message is clear: In the upcoming parliamentary election battle, no one is unnecessary. The Left’s supporters will stand by the Party and its dignity once again, knowing that only with a strong AKEL is there hope for our country and society in these challenging times.
