A Spirited Campaign for Nicosia’s Mayoral Seat
The political landscape in Nicosia is buzzing with activity as the mayoral race heats up. With the entrance of Panagiotis Mentzis, a restaurateur supported by the Ecologists Movement, the contest has gained a new dynamic. Mentzis’s decision to join the election battle adds a layer of unpredictability to the race, and his impact on the voters is yet to be determined.
On the other side of the spectrum, Nikos Tornaritis, who has the backing of the centre-right parties DISY, DIKO, and DIPA, is gearing up for a formal presentation of his candidacy on April 20. The event is expected to be a significant milestone where Tornaritis will reveal his policy plans for Nicosia. Coinciding with this announcement, his campaign headquarters on Makarios Avenue will open its doors, marking a pivotal moment in his pre-election activities.
Charalambos Prountzos, running as an independent yet endorsed by AKEL and EDEK, has already made waves with his first major campaign rally. Prountzos shared his six-point vision for the city, focusing on sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for Nicosians. His ambitious goals include achieving energy autonomy through the adoption of electric trams and buses, expanding charging stations, and reducing energy costs. Prountzos also advocates for sustainable urban mobility solutions such as improved bus services, the construction of multi-storey parking facilities, and the creation of additional lanes for bicycles and scooters.
A cornerstone of Prountzos’ campaign is the introduction of “NicosiaApp,” a digital tool designed to streamline citizen services, provide information for businesses and tourists, enhance neighborhood security, and cut through bureaucratic red tape.
With EDEK’s strategic endorsement of Prountzos for Mayor, they are also supporting Konstantinos Giorkadjis for president of the Nicosia District Council and Stella Sourmeli for Deputy Mayor of Strovolos. As the election campaign unfolds, Nicosia’s residents are presented with distinct visions for their city’s future from a diverse field of candidates.
