President to announce decision on re-election after AKEL decides

The Government Spokesman said here today that the President is set to announce his decision with regard to next year’s presidential elections after his main partner, AKEL, announces its decisions on the matter.

The spokesman Vasilis Palmas told his daily press briefing that President Tassos Papadopoulos will weigh all factors before taking his final decision on whether to seek reelection in February’s elections.

“I have no problem in saying that the President of the Republic will certainly wait to announce his decision after AKEL concludes its party procedures,” Palmas said, noting that these will take longer than other party procedures.

He said that AKEL is the main pillar of support for the government, there is “excellent cooperation and we have to show respect towards a party that backs and continues to back the President, as it has done for the past four years.”

Responding to questions about criticism of the government by AKEL, Palmas said every party has the right to express its views and positions on various matters.

“The President will weigh all views and decisions expressed by the parties that support the government and then he will decide,” he added.

Papadopoulos has expressed his intention and will to seek reelection for a second five year term in office.

So far only former agriculture minister Costas Themistocleous has announced his decision to bid for the presidency. It is widely expected that former foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides will announce his bid for the presidential race on Wednesday.