At the packed closing rally of the Dimokratiki Parataxi (DEPA) congress in Cyprus, liberals brought together over a thousand supporters, with a strong show of momentum and public engagement.
The atmosphere signalled a renewed sense of direction heading into the final stretch before the Parliamentary vote. Addressing supporters, DEPA President Marios Karoyian said the election goes beyond a routine political contest, describing it as a defining moment for Cyprus’ democratic direction.
“Either we change course now with seriousness and responsibility, or we slide into a period of decline where the crisis of trust becomes a crisis of democracy itself,” he said.
He warned that Cyprus is facing what he called a “multi-layered crisis of trust” in institutions, pointing to growing polarisation, political tension and public disillusionment that he said are steadily eroding confidence in democratic life.
Karoyian positioned DEPA as a party that moves forward wisely and decides responsibly, rejecting populism and division, which he described as “empty political slogans”. He argued that Cyprus needs an authentic centrist force that is moderate, constructive and forward looking.
The rally carried a broader sense of political urgency, with Cyprus forced to adopt reforms to adapt to a rapidly changing global environment: from technological transformation to shifting geopolitical pressures - with hesitation risking the country being left behind.
Alongside this, Cypriot liberals emphasised the need for a stronger and more effective social state, paired with investment in innovation and economic modernisation, aimed at securing long-term stability and opportunity for younger generations.
The event itself underlined that momentum and was described by organisers as flooded with supporters. The party believed the turnout sent a message of optimism and unity, as well as a clear signal of renewed confidence in the party ahead of election day.
ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP delivered a message of support, reinforcing DEPA’s connection to the wider European liberal family and its positioning within European political networks.
Closing the congress, Karoyian urged supporters to see the upcoming election as a “new beginning” for Cyprus - a moment to move beyond division and rebuild trust in institutions and in democratic life itself.
He called on candidates and supporters to approach the campaign with belief, adding that “on May 24, we write a new page for the party and for the country.”
You can find more about DEPA’s candidates and proposals here.
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Daniela's take:
“Cyprus is heading into an election that will reshape its political map, with DEPA among the parties running in a fragmented race, driven by personalities and beyond the traditional blocs. At the moment there is a lack of clarity in terms of alliances and parties elected. This is why turnout and last-minute mobilisation will be decisive.”
Daniela Morales Garcia, Senior Policy Adviser 
Co-written by: Aoife Devereux & Daniela Morales Garcia