**Far-Right Protest Planned as Avenue Renamed After Christofias**
A protest is set to take place in Strovolos on Monday, coinciding with the official ceremony to rename Argyroupoleos Avenue to ‘Dimitris Christofias Avenue’. The event is expected to draw significant attention, particularly due to the involvement of President Nikos Christodoulides, who will be present at the ceremony.
The demonstration is organized by the far-right student group Efen, which has voiced strong opposition to the renaming decision made by the Strovolos municipal council. The protest is scheduled to begin at 6:45 PM at the site of the ceremony, prompting local police to implement security measures and temporary traffic arrangements to ensure public safety and order.
Authorities have indicated that officers will be deployed to manage the event, maintain public order, and oversee traffic in the surrounding area. They have advised motorists to expect potential delays and to consider using alternative routes to avoid congestion.
The decision to rename the avenue honors the late Dimitris Christofias, who served as President of Cyprus from 2008 to 2013. The road connects the GSP area with Tseriou Avenue and was opened to traffic earlier this month. The municipal council's choice to commemorate Christofias has sparked heated debate, particularly among groups who view his presidency as controversial.
Efen's statement regarding the renaming criticized not only the decision itself but also the participation of senior state officials in the ceremony. The group described the event as an attempt to “erase history,” highlighting their discontent with honoring Christofias, particularly in light of the Mari naval base explosion in 2011 and the economic crisis that unfolded during his term. The protestors emphasized their commitment to remembering those who lost their lives in the explosion, stating, “as long as we live, we will never forget the blood of the 13,” referring to the victims of the disaster.
The renaming of public roads and the process behind such decisions have also come under scrutiny. Antonis Economides, head of the EOA, explained that the authority to name streets and avenues lies solely with municipal councils and does not require approval from the interior ministry. This statement underscores the autonomy of local governments in Cyprus regarding public naming conventions.
As the planned protest approaches, the situation in Strovolos is being closely monitored by local authorities. The event is expected to draw attention not only for its immediate implications but also for the broader discussions it raises about historical memory, public commemoration, and the political landscape in Cyprus.