AKEL released a statement with a clear political and ethical message about Irini Charalambidou’s exclusion from the parliamentary group AKEL – Left – New Forces.
The statement explains that Ms. Charalambidou turned down the proposal framework without suggesting an alternative, which ended discussions. AKEL also mentions that further dialogue is impossible since she has publicly hinted at running in the next parliamentary elections with another party.
The full statement from AKEL
Those who run with AKEL’s ticket know that the Party has had a three-term limit since 1991. This limit was recently reduced to two terms at the 2023 Statutory Congress. There can be exceptions for one more term for leading Party members. All parties find ways to keep their political core in Parliament. Due to term limits, respected members of the Party, the Left Movement, and New Forces have finished their time in Parliament.
Given the term limits, we started talks with Ms. Irini Charalambidou to continue our cooperation. We suggested she lead an Observatory on corruption and graft, an area where she is very active. We also said we were open to discussing any ideas she had for continuing our partnership, which we have supported over the years, even when she disagreed with the Party during critical moments like the last presidential elections.
Since Ms. Charalambidou rejected our proposal and did not offer any counter-proposal, discussions are now closed. We cannot continue talks for another important reason. We can’t discuss working together while she keeps hinting at running in future elections with another party’s ticket. This stance is unethical and disrespectful to AKEL supporters, putting her against the Party and outside the parliamentary group AKEL – Left – New Forces.
Political ethics require that the seat be returned to AKEL. This has always been the Party’s position: seats belong to parties. It’s up to Ms. Charalambidou to decide what to do next. Since these events don’t happen in a political vacuum, we feel it’s necessary to clarify a few points:
AKEL is not a career platform or an opportunity flag for anyone. The Left Party is not a vehicle for personal ambitions. For us, politics is about principles and goes beyond just parliamentary action. Without principles, politics and Parliament risk becoming a transfer market where pre-election ‘party jerseys’ change based on personal ambitions. This troubling trend undermines politics’ true meaning, which should focus on collective action, consistent goals and ideas, ethics, and conduct. Those who think they benefit from this today should realize it will eventually backfire. Sooner or later, this happens with trends that devalue politics and erase principles.
We are facing a tough electoral contest during critical times for our country and society. Our message is clear: In the upcoming parliamentary election battle, everyone matters. The Left’s supporters will stand by the Party and its dignity once again, knowing that only a strong AKEL brings hope for our country and society in these challenging times.
