Former negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis has confirmed he intends to announce a candidacy for the 2028 presidential election before, and independent of, any decision by AKEL, confirming information first reported by philenews days earlier.
Speaking on Alpha Enimerosi, Mavroyiannis was asked about comments by Stefanos Stefanou identifying figures AKEL could not support, and responded jokingly: “I don’t think I fall among those excluded.”
Mavroyiannis acknowledged that AKEL’s support would make a new candidacy electable. He said other forces would also be needed, but noted that in 2023, with AKEL’s support alone, his candidacy had come close to winning.
He said that, based on published opinion polls, there is currently a climate giving his candidacy momentum, and that it is possible he and his associates will decide to announce his candidacy on this basis. However, he said that if by summer 2027 his candidacy appeared to have lost momentum, “it would not be the end of the world,” suggesting he might withdraw in that scenario.
Asked about his relationship with Averof Neophytou, Mavroyiannis said they had met once or twice and spoken on friendly terms. He said it was possible both men would run again, describing Neophytou as an “excellent opponent” for him.
