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 Kasoulides |
| Succeeded by | Ioannis Kasoulides |
| 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 (Greek: Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης; born on December 6, 1973) is a Cypriot politician. He has been the 8th President of Cyprus since 2023. Before becoming president, he worked as the Government Spokesman from 2014 to 2018. He was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2022. Both of these roles were under the previous president, Nicos Anastasiades.
Christodoulides started his career as a diplomat in 1999. He also taught at the University of Cyprus. He resigned from his minister role in January 2022 to run for president. He won the election and became president on February 28, 2023. He is the first Cypriot leader born in Cyprus after it became independent from British rule.
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Early Life and Education
Nikos Christodoulides was born in Geroskipou, Cyprus, on December 6, 1973. He finished high school in Paphos in 1991. After that, he served two years in the Cypriot National Guard.
He studied at Queens College in New York City, graduating in 1997. He focused on 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.
Before Becoming President
Teaching and Research
Christodoulides worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Cyprus. He taught about the history of the world after World War II.
Diplomatic Work
Christodoulides began working as a diplomat in 1999. He held many important positions. These included being the Director of the Office for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was also the Spokesman for Cyprus during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. He worked at the Cypriot Embassy in Greece and as Consul-General in the United Kingdom. From 2013 to 2018, he was the Director of the Diplomatic Office for the President of Cyprus.
Government Spokesman Role
On April 14, 2014, Christodoulides was chosen to be the Government Spokesman. He held this position until February 28, 2018, when President Nicos Anastasiades' first term ended.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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After President Anastasiades was re-elected, Christodoulides became the Minister of Foreign Affairs on March 1, 2018. He stated that Cyprus would not be influenced by Turkey's actions in Cyprus's sea area. He also said that solving the reunification of Cyprus was their main goal.
In May 2018, Christodoulides asked the United Nations to help restart talks for reunification. He met with the Greek Foreign Minister and praised the UN for sending a special representative.
In June 2018, Christodoulides visited Israel. He met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. They talked about strengthening ties in energy and emergency situations. They also discussed the planned EastMed pipeline.
He also welcomed plans by ExxonMobil to start drilling for gas in Cyprus's sea area. In July 2018, he met with EU High Representative Federica Mogherini. They discussed the EU's role in peace talks with Turkey. He stressed that Turkey must follow international law.
In July 2020, Christodoulides spoke about clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He condemned the ceasefire violation and asked for calm.
2023 Presidential Election
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After much talk, Christodoulides announced his interest in running for president on January 9, 2023. The next day, he resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In June 2022, Christodoulides officially announced he would run as an independent candidate. He was a member of the Democratic Rally party, but they had their own candidate. On January 5, 2023, he was removed from the party. He gained support from smaller parties and many former supporters of his old party.
Christodoulides won the first round of the election with 32.04% of the votes. The outgoing president, Anastasiades, then supported him. Christodoulides won the second round with 51.92% of the votes. He defeated Andreas Mavroyiannis and became president-elect.
Presidency
Solving the Cyprus Problem
Christodoulides became president on February 28, 2023. He said his main goal was to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. To restart talks, he asked the UN to appoint a special envoy. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, agreed. He appointed Colombian diplomat María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar to help with the peace process. Cuéllar arrived in Cyprus in January 2024.
Amalthea Initiative for Aid
In October 2023, Christodoulides proposed a plan 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 Gaza war. He suggested using Larnaca's port in Cyprus to send large amounts of humanitarian aid by sea. The aid would be checked and stored in Cyprus. After daily checks, including by Israel, it would be sent to Gaza. The ships would have warships with them and go to a special area off the coast of Gaza.
Christodoulides discussed his plan with leaders from Egypt and Jordan. He also spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The plan received good feedback from other countries and was approved by the Israeli government. The first step happened on January 1, 2024. Cyprus and the United Kingdom sent 87 tonnes of aid to Gaza through Egypt.
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On March 4, 2024, Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission supported Cyprus's plan. She visited Cyprus to see the facilities. The United States also supported the initiative. President Joe Biden announced on March 8 that the US military would build a temporary port in Gaza. This port would help deliver more aid by sea. The US would work with the UN and aid groups.
On March 12, 2024, a Spanish aid ship left Larnaca to deliver aid to Gaza. The ship carried 200 tonnes of food. It reached a location off Gaza's coast. Building a temporary jetty in Gaza helped unload the supplies.
In March 2024, experts from 36 countries met in Larnaca to discuss strengthening the plan. A second ship was also preparing to send 500 tons of aid to Gaza. Countries like the Netherlands and the EU have pledged money to support the Amalthea Plan long-term.
Economy
On December 20, 2023, the Labor Minister announced an increase in the minimum wage. It went from €940 to €1,000 per month.
In June 2024, credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P improved Cyprus's long-term credit rating. Cyprus's budget surplus is one of the highest in the EU. The national debt is expected to decrease significantly by 2025. The agencies also predict strong economic growth for Cyprus.
In November 2024, Moody's also upgraded Cyprus's credit rating. They noted the country's improved finances and stable economic growth.
Immigration
When Christodoulides became president in early 2023, Cyprus faced a large number of migrants. This situation became more difficult with the Gaza war. He said Cyprus was in a "serious crisis" and asked the EU for help. In June 2024, he created a new Deputy Ministry of Immigration.
During his first year, Cyprus saw a big increase in deportations of illegal migrants. New arrivals decreased by 50%. European officials praised these efforts. By May 2024, new arrivals had dropped significantly. The number of people at the main reception center also decreased.
Digital Transformation
In October 2023, Christodoulides' government shared its plans for digital transformation. They secured €282 million in EU funding for their "Strategic Plan 2024–2026." This plan includes using artificial intelligence, improving internet speed, and teaching digital skills. It also supports new businesses and strengthens defenses against cyber threats. The Deputy Ministry of Innovation leads these efforts. The goal is to make government services better, automate processes, and increase transparency. This will help the economy grow and create jobs. The government aims to make Cyprus a top technology hub.
Foreign Policy
Relations with the United States
Cyprus and the United States have started a special dialogue during Christodoulides' presidency. This has made their relationship much stronger in areas like security, energy, and business. Cyprus is now one of a few countries that have high-level talks with the US twice a year. This also helps Cyprus get closer to joining the US Visa Waiver Program.
Christodoulides visited the White House on October 30, 2024, after an invitation from U.S. President Joe Biden. This was the first time a Cypriot president visited the White House since 1996. They discussed their countries' relationship, energy, and stability in the region. President Biden also expressed hope for the reunification of Cyprus.
On January 15, 2024, President Biden signed a decision to include Cyprus in three important US defense programs. These programs help with military sales, defense equipment, and training for foreign security forces.
Personal Life
Christodoulides has four children with his wife, Philippa Karsera. She is also a diplomat. They met in 1999 when they were both new diplomats. She worked at Cypriot embassies in London, Athens, and Brussels. She later became Deputy Director of the President's Diplomatic Office. In February 2022, she started leading the crisis management department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In February 2025, there was a security concern regarding Christodoulides' safety. As a result, the Presidential Guard increased his protection. The Cyprus Police and the Cyprus Intelligence Service began investigating the matter.
Books Written
Christodoulides has written for academic journals. He is also the author of two books: Plans for Solution of the Cyprus Problem 1948–1978 (2009) and Relations between Athens and Nicosia and the Cyprus Problem 1977–1988 (2013).
Awards and Honours
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)
Netherlands: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion (March 4, 2025)
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
