Cyprus’ political landscape witnessed significant changes on Sunday as Volt officially launched itself as a political movement, securing representation in the country’s parliament with the addition of Alexandra Attalides.
Formerly a member of the Greens, Attalidou, who now serves as an independent, formally announced her affiliation with the new political movement, confirming recent speculations.
Hours later, European Parliament member Demetris Papadakis also announced his involvement with a new political movement, solidifying the rumours surrounding his departure from or expulsion from the Democratic Party (EDEK) and his participation in the creation of a new political entity.
Essentially, two new movements are vying for a place on Cyprus’ political map.
In her announcement of joining Volt, Alexandra Attalides stated, “If I have learned anything from my years of activism, it’s that real change can only be achieved when society’s voice gains access to the system or when the system gives a voice to society. The battle of ideas takes place within the system, and it is through the system that we lay the foundations for a better future. It’s only when those seeking change unite their forces. That’s why I have decided to join Volt Cyprus—a European party with young people, modern ideas, and structures, which prioritizes citizen welfare, human rights, and climate change mitigation. We share the same goals and vision for Cyprus and Europe.”
On the other hand, in the announcement of the “Aichmi – Democratic Movement for Change,” Demetris Papadakis spoke of creating a new political movement in the form of a horizontal social movement with a democratic and progressive orientation.
With Alexandra Attalides joining Volt, the movement now has parliamentary representation.
The party is reportedly prepared to seek state funding. However, the House of Representatives has a different perspective, stating that legal advice has been sought on the matter.
According to relevant legislation, political parties in parliament receive state funding, the amount of which is determined by the Cabinet and is included in the state budget.
It is distributed as follows: (a) Fifteen percent (15%) of the regular funding is distributed equally, and (b) the remaining portion is distributed proportionally to the percentages they received in the last elections held under the provisions of the Members of the House of Representatives Election Law of 1979 until (No. 5) of 2011, as these are amended or replaced from time to time.
However, the House of Representatives invokes Article 73 of the Constitution, which states that “a political party represented in the House of Representatives by a number of members equal to at least twelve percent (12%) of the total number of members is entitled to recognition.”
In the case of Volt, the ‘Famagusta for Cyprus’ movement, which is registered in the political parties’ registry and participated in parliamentary elections, will self-dissolve and be renamed Volt.
However, the percentage it received at the time does not justify receiving state funding. On the other hand, the legislation refers to parliamentary parties, and the House of Representatives cites the Constitution’s provision regarding what constitutes a parliamentary party.
Furthermore, Volt will hold its founding and statutory congress next Sunday.
Alexandra Attalides, in her statement regarding her affiliation with the new movement, mentioned that she has also submitted her candidacy for the 25-member body of the party.
She stated, “Through my collaboration with Volt Cyprus, I believe I will have a better platform to fight for what I believe in and promised to the people.”
When asked if she would be interested in the presidency of the movement, should she be elected to the 25-member body that will lead the party to its electoral congress, she expressed her determination to be actively involved.
