Nikos Christodoulides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nikos Christodoulides
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| Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης | |
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Christodoulides in 2024
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| 8th President of Cyprus | |
| Assumed office 28 February 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Nicos Anastasiades |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 1 March 2018 – 11 January 2022 |
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| President | Nicos Anastasiades |
| Preceded by | Ioannis Kasoulidis |
| Succeeded by | Ioannis Kasoulidis |
| Government Spokesman | |
| In office 14 April 2014 – 28 February 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Christos Stylianides |
| Succeeded by | Prodromos Prodromou |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 December 1973 Geroskipou, Cyprus |
| Political party | Democratic Rally (before 2023) Independent (2023–present) |
| Spouse | Philippa Karsera |
| Children | 4 |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Awards | Order of Makarios III (Grand Master) Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus |
| Signature |  |
Nikos Christodoulides (born December 6, 1973) is a politician from Cyprus. He became the 8th President of Cyprus in 2023. Before that, he was the Government Spokesman from 2014 to 2018. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2022. He worked under the previous president, Nicos Anastasiades.
Mr. Christodoulides used to be a member of the Democratic Rally party. However, he decided to run for president as an independent candidate. This led to him leaving his old party. He started his career as a diplomat in 1999. He also taught at the University of Cyprus for a few years. He is the first Cypriot leader born after Cyprus became independent from British rule.
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Early Life and Education
Nikos Christodoulides was born in Geroskipou, Cyprus, on December 6, 1973. His mother was from Geroskipou, and his father was from Choulou. He finished high school in Paphos in 1991. After that, he served two years in the Cypriot National Guard until 1993.
He went to Queens College in New York City. He studied political science, economics, and Greek studies. He then continued his studies at New York University and the University of Malta. In 2003, he earned his PhD in political science from the University of Athens.
His Career Before Becoming President
Working as a Diplomat and Teacher
Before becoming a politician, Mr. Christodoulides worked as a teacher. He taught history at the University of Cyprus. He also worked as a researcher there.
In 1999, he began his career as a diplomat. He held many important jobs. He was the Director of the Office for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also worked as a spokesman for Cyprus in the Council of the European Union. He served at the Cypriot Embassy in Greece. He was also the Consul-General in the United Kingdom. From 2013 to 2018, he was the Director of the Diplomatic Office for the President of Cyprus.
Becoming Government Spokesman
On April 14, 2014, Nikos Christodoulides became the Government Spokesman. He held this position until February 28, 2018. This was when President Anastasiades' first term ended.
Serving as Foreign Minister
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On March 1, 2018, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. This happened after President Anastasiades was re-elected. He stated that Cyprus would not be affected by Turkey's actions in Cyprus's waters. He also said that reuniting Cyprus was their main goal.
In May 2018, he asked the United Nations to help restart talks for reunification. He met with the Greek Foreign Minister. He praised the UN Secretary-General for sending a special representative.
In June 2018, he visited Israel. He met with the prime minister and president there. They talked about strengthening ties in energy and emergencies. They also discussed a planned gas pipeline. He welcomed ExxonMobil's plan to start drilling for gas in Cyprus's waters.
In July 2018, he met with a top EU official in Brussels. They discussed the EU's role in peace talks with Turkey. He said that Cyprus could not afford another failed talk. He also stated that Turkey must follow European and international laws.
In July 2020, he spoke about fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He condemned the ceasefire violation. He asked both sides to calm down.
Running for President in 2023
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For many months, people wondered if he would run for president. On January 9, he announced his interest. The next day, he resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In June 2022, he officially announced his candidacy. He ran as an independent candidate. His former party, the Democratic Rally, had its own candidate. On January 5, 2023, he was formally removed from the party. He gained support from smaller parties. He also won over many supporters from his old party.
Christodoulides won the first round of the election. He received 32.04% of the votes. The outgoing president, Anastasiades, then supported him. He won the second round with 51.92% of the votes. He became the president-elect of Cyprus.
His Presidency
Christodoulides became president on February 28, 2023. He said his main goal was to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. He asked the UN to appoint a special envoy. This person would help restart talks between the two sides. The UN agreed and appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar. She arrived in Cyprus in January 2024.
The Amalthea Initiative
In October 2023, President Christodoulides presented a plan. It was called the Amalthea Initiative. This plan aimed to open a sea route between Cyprus and Gaza. The goal was to deliver aid to Gaza during the war. Cyprus is close to the conflict zone. So, he suggested using Larnaca's port to send large amounts of aid by sea.
The aid would be collected and checked in Cyprus. Then, it would be sent to Gaza. Warships would go with the aid vessels. The aid would arrive at a special area on the Gaza coast.
Christodoulides discussed his plan with leaders from Egypt and Jordan. He also talked with the German Chancellor. The plan received positive feedback from many countries. The Israeli government also approved it. On January 1, 2024, Cyprus and the UK sent 87 tonnes of aid to Gaza. This aid went through Egypt.
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On March 4, 2024, the European Commission supported Cyprus's plan. The US also backed the initiative. President Joe Biden announced that the US military would build a temporary port in Gaza. This port would help deliver more aid by sea. The aid would include food, medicine, and water.
On March 12, 2024, a Spanish ship left Larnaca. It carried aid for Gaza. The ship had 200 tonnes of food. This included rice, flour, and canned tuna. The mission faced some challenges. A temporary jetty was built in Gaza to help unload the supplies.
On March 21, 2024, officials from 36 countries met in Larnaca. They discussed how to strengthen the Amalthea Plan. A second ship was also preparing to leave Larnaca with 500 tons of aid. Countries are working to get funding for the plan. The Netherlands pledged €10 million, and the EU promised €70 million.
Economy and Finance
On December 20, 2023, the minimum wage in Cyprus increased. It went from €940 to €1,000 per month. This decision was met with different reactions.
In June 2024, two important agencies upgraded Cyprus's credit rating. This means they think Cyprus's economy is doing better. Cyprus has a good budget surplus. Its national debt is expected to fall. Experts also predict strong economic growth for Cyprus.
In November 2024, another agency, Moody's, also upgraded Cyprus's credit rating. They noted the country's steady financial improvements. They also mentioned the big reduction in debt and stable economic growth.
Dealing with Immigration
When he became president, Christodoulides faced a big challenge. There was a significant increase in migrants arriving in Cyprus. This situation became even harder with the Israel–Hamas war. He said Cyprus was in "a state of serious crisis." He asked the EU for help to manage the flow of migrants from Lebanon.
In June 2024, he created a new government department. It is called the Deputy Ministry of Immigration. During his first year, Cyprus saw more illegal migrants deported. The number of new arrivals also dropped by 50%. This earned praise from European officials.
Digital Transformation Efforts
In October 2023, Christodoulides' government announced big plans. They want to make Cyprus more digital. They received €282 million from the EU for this plan. The plan includes using artificial intelligence. It also aims to improve internet speed. They want to teach more digital skills. The plan also supports new businesses and protects against cyber threats.
The goal is to make government services better and more transparent. It also aims to boost the economy and create jobs. The government wants to make Cyprus a top technology hub.
Foreign Policy and Relations with the United States
During his presidency, Cyprus and the United States started a special dialogue. This has made their relationship much stronger. They are working together on security, energy, and investments. Cyprus is now one of a few countries that talk with the US at a high level twice a year. Cyprus also hopes to join the US Visa Waiver Program.
President Christodoulides visited the White House on October 30, 2024. He met with US President Joe Biden. This was the first time a Cypriot president visited the White House since 1996. They talked about their countries' relationship. They also discussed energy and stability in the region. President Biden also expressed hope for the reunification of Cyprus.
In January 2024, President Biden signed a decision. This decision included Cyprus in three important US defense programs. These programs help with military sales and training for foreign security forces.
Personal Life
Nikos Christodoulides is married to Philippa Karsera. They have four children. His wife is also a diplomat. They met in 1999 when they both started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has worked at Cypriot embassies in London, Athens, and Brussels. She also led the crisis management team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His Books
Christodoulides has written for academic journals. He is also the author of two books. The first is Plans for Solution of the Cyprus Problem 1948–1978 (published in 2009). The second is Relations between Athens and Nicosia and the Cyprus Problem 1977–1988 (published in 2013).
Honours and Awards
National Honours
Cyprus: Grand Master and Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III (February 28, 2023)- Cyprus: Grand Master of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus (February 28, 2023)
Foreign Honours
Germany: Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (February 12, 2024)- Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Orthodox Crusaders of the Holy Sepulchre (March 22, 2018)
Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer (March 13, 2023)
Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (February 26, 2024)
Poland: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (October 4, 2021)
Serbia: Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class (May 4, 2021)
See also
In Spanish: Níkos Christodoulídis para niños
