CYPRUS: Nicolas Papadopoulos resigns as VP of DIKO

Papadopoulos said in a written statement that his resignation constitutes a political act of expressing his disagreement with his party decision to support the leader of the opposition right-wing DISY party Nicos Anastasiades for the Presidency of the Republic and showing his respect to the collective bodies of the party. “When last September, the Central Committee of the Democratic Party took the decision on the upcoming Presidential Elections, I clearly stated that I disagree with the choice, but I respect the decision and that during the campaign period I will act according to my conscience and dignity without causing any problem to my party, "he said. Papadopoulos announced that he would remain as an ordinary party member and MP.

He also assured the members of the Democratic Party that he did not place himself out of the party and that he would place himself in their judgment during the party’s upcoming conference. In a written statement issued following Papadopoulos’ resignation, DIKO said that under these critical circumstances for the country’s salvation, we will not follow the today’s decisions of the Vice President of our party”.