Philenews

Former MEP Joins 'Alma' Movement, Signaling Shift in Cypriot Politics

Published January 22, 2026, 05:09
Former MEP Joins 'Alma' Movement, Signaling Shift in Cypriot Politics

Former MEP Demetris Papadakis has joined the 'Alma' movement led by Odysseas Michailidis, marking the first addition from the traditional party system. The inclusion of Irini Charalambidou is also expected soon, following her departure from AKEL. These additions strengthen the view that 'Alma' is aiming for a center-left ideological framework. Papadakis, formerly of EDEK, stated that his decision to join 'Alma' is due to the need to combat corruption and modernize the state. His inclusion also signifies the integration of the 'Aichmi' political movement, which primarily consists of former EDEK members.