Political parties were divided over President Nikos Christodoulides’ televised press conference on Wednesday, where he presented his assessment of his second year in office. While some praised his performance, others dismissed it as a desperate attempt to salvage his image.

Diko and Dipa expressed support for the president, crediting him with improving living standards and making strides toward resolving Cyprus’ political problem.

However, Disy criticised the timing of the press conference, arguing that the president had “prioritised the wrong conference” just days before the crucial Geneva meeting. The Green Party and Volt also voiced frustration, characterising the event as an attempt to repair public perception.

In a press release, Disy said that rather than focusing on Geneva and securing a positive outcome, the president had engaged in a “desperate effort for self-justification.” The party argued that people were “tired of constant repetition” and that “living conditions are worse than they were two years ago.”

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It further stated that the government’s performance “should be judged by the people, not by the one being evaluated.”

In contrast, Diko viewed the president’s announcements positively, particularly the reduction of VAT on household electricity bills.

It also praised his “effective handling of longstanding issues, such as migration.” On the Cyprus problem, Diko welcomed Christodoulides’ initiatives, especially his push for greater EU involvement.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies that improve daily life, promote social justice and strengthen the economy.

Dipa also expressed its satisfaction with Christodoulides’ governance.

“Christodoulides’ government has completed a series of necessary and notable reforms in crucial sectors of home governance and has also proceeded with the legislative enrichment and strengthening of the operation of the state wherever necessary,” Dipa spokesman Andreas Themistocleous said.

Dipa said it was especially satisfied with the president’s handling of the Cyprus problem.

Themistocleous said there were still issue to address, such as energy, water, housing and reforms, and assured Dipa would continue to contribute towards making Cyprus a better place.

The Green Party dismissed the press conference as “the start of a communication campaign to regain lost public trust.” The party argued that a temporary VAT reduction on electricity bills was not enough to address the financial struggles of households.

The party said “much could be noted about what Christodoulides did or did not say”, however the bottom line was that “the situation households are in is very tough and cannot be addressed by communication tricks and words.

Volt said the people did not need communicative administration, but solutions that would truly make their lives better.

The party acknowledged some improvements had been made, however it said the president “made nice references and positive narrations, but the reality they themselves live in is totally different.”

Volt mentioned the cost of living, the energy crisis and insufficient public administration.

On the Cyprus issue, Volt criticised the president’s statements as vague, calling for “greater transparency and a clear plan for the future.”

The Geneva meeting will take place on March 17 and 18 and will see both Cyprus’ sides as well as representatives of the island’s three guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, and the UN convene to discuss the ongoing Cyprus problem.