Ruling right-wing Democratic Rally party starts the nomination process for its 2023 presidential elections candidate on Monday with only its leader Averof Neophytou expressing interest – so far.
But an internal power struggle within the conservative party on their candidate for the upcoming elections is brewing with Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides making a move on Sunday.
Christodoulides, who has long been viewed as harbouring presidential ambitions, announced he had tendered his resignation.
In a statement, Christodoulides also said he would be ‘interested’ in the presidential election next year but that he was not yet ready to take a definitive decision.
“I will make an announcement when I take my final decisions,” Christodoulides said.
On Friday, Neohytou had urged Christodoulides to clarify his intentions and used strong words against his potential rival runner.
Christodoulides’s silence on persistent rumours he has been eyeing the presidency caused disquiet in the Rally party’s ranks that his potentially independent bid could be divisive.
Christodoulides said his resignation would take effect on Tuesday.
He also said he had submitted his resignation to Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades ‘some days ago’ and it was accepted on Friday.
