Cyprus, a beautiful island in the Eastern Mediterranean, became an independent nation in 1960. Since then, it has had several presidents who have guided the country through different challenges. Below is a straightforward list of these presidents, arranged in order, along with some key points about their time in office.
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List Of Presidents of Cyprus
| No. | President | Years in Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Archbishop Makarios III | 1960-1977 |
| 2 | Spyros Kyprianou | 1977-1988 |
| 3 | George Vassiliou | 1988-1993 |
| 4 | Glafcos Clerides | 1993-2003 |
| 5 | Tassos Papadopoulos | 2003-2008 |
| 6 | Demetris Christofias | 2008-2013 |
| 7 | Nicos Anastasiades | 2013-2023 |
| 8 | Nikos Christodoulides | 2023-Present |
The First President: Archbishop Makarios III
Archbishop Makarios III was the first president of Cyprus and a key figure in its history. He served from 1960 until he passed away in 1977. Makarios played a vital role in leading Cyprus to independence from British rule and pursued a neutral foreign policy to keep Cyprus independent in international politics.
Key Achievements:
- Independence: Makarios was a key leader in gaining independence for Cyprus in 1960.
- Neutral Foreign Policy: He kept Cyprus neutral during the Cold War by not aligning with major powers.
Challenges:
- 1974 Crisis: His time in office faced a major setback during the 1974 Turkish invasion, which led to the ongoing division of Cyprus.
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The Current President: Nikos Christodoulides
Nikos Christodoulides became president in 2023. He has a background as a diplomat and served as the Foreign Minister before becoming president. His presidency is still in its early stages, so his full impact will be seen over time.
Key Achievements:
- Elected as the 8th President of Cyprus in 2023, becoming the first Cypriot leader born after independence
- Served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2018-2022 under President Anastasiades
- Worked as a diplomat for Cyprus starting in 1999, holding various positions including Government Spokesman from 2014-2018
- Authored two books on the Cyprus problem and relations between Cyprus and Greece
- Awarded several national and foreign honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer from Greece and the Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Challenges:
- Reunifying Cyprus and ending the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island, which he has called “an open wound to the body of Europe”
- Addressing the disproportionate burden Cyprus faces in managing migration flows, calling for a Migration and Asylum Pact based on solidarity and responsibility
- Promoting a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which is strategically important for the EU
- Advocating for the EU to be more strategically autonomous in areas like security, energy and health to effectively face geopolitical challenges
The Vice President Position
Currently, Cyprus does not have a vice president. Originally, the constitution provided for a Greek Cypriot president and a Turkish Cypriot vice president. However, this arrangement ended in 1963 after the Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government due to tensions between the two communities.
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Conclusion
The presidents of Cyprus have each played important roles in shaping the country. From the early days of independence under Archbishop Makarios III to the current leadership of Nikos Christodoulides, each leader has faced unique challenges and achieved significant milestones. As Cyprus continues its journey, the actions of these presidents will continue to influence its future.