Former Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides has indicated he will run for president in 2028, announcing plans to establish a political movement focused on fighting corruption.
Speaking on a CyBC programme and at a Green Party event, Michaelides outlined his intention to bypass the 2026 parliamentary elections and focus directly on the 2028 presidential race.
“We are changing this state. We are changing the institutions. I have already begun studying this. We’re doing this not for moral reasons, but for the genuine prosperity of citizens”, Michaelides said.
The former auditor-general, who left his post following a court decision, emphasised the connection between corruption and economic challenges.
“One-fifth of our fellow citizens are below the poverty line, while our economy is being upgraded. Why? Because proper policies cannot be implemented”, he said.
Michaelides revealed plans to establish a citizens’ movement, potentially named “Voice of Justice”, which would focus on institutional reform without taking specific positions on issues such as the Cyprus problem.
“The economy needs proper planning and implementation from the state. The state must be effective, integral, able to work, and free from corruption“, he said, addressing questions about his political strategy.
Responding to suggestions of earlier political involvement, Michaelides expressed confidence in public judgment: “I believe our society is not so immature as to decide to surrender its popular sovereignty to a decision of eight judges. Society is informed and has judgment”.
The announcement comes amid speculation about whether Michaelides would maintain his public profile until 2028 without interim political involvement, and whether he would follow the political model of current President Nikos Christodoulides or chart a different course.
