Cypriot-Armenian politician Ari Habeshian has officially announced his candidacy in Cyprus’s parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24, 2026. He will run with the Democratic Alignment (DiPa) party in the Nicosia Region, seeking one of the 56 seats in the country’s House of Representatives.
At 25 years old, Habeshian represents a new generation of leadership entering national politics.
Habeshian was elected in 2024 as a Municipal Councillor of Strovolos at the age of 23, becoming both the youngest person ever elected to municipal office in Cyprus and the first Armenian to hold such a position. He currently serves as Chair of European Union Affairs for the Strovolos Municipality, where his work focuses on European policy, funding mechanisms, and international cooperation.
In September 2025, Habeshian was selected by the European Union to participate in the YELL Summit 2025 (Young Elected Local Leaders), joining a group of 20 emerging elected officials from across Europe—a recognition that further elevated his profile at the European level.
Academically, Habeshian completed his Political Science studies at the University of Cyprus, graduating with the highest grade point average in the institution’s history.
He is fluent in five languages—Greek, Armenian, English, Arabic, and Turkish—reflecting both his multicultural background and his active engagement in European and international affairs.
In parallel with his political work, Habeshian currently serves as an Officer at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in the European Affairs and Programmes Department, where he is involved in European policy initiatives and cross-border cooperation.
His parliamentary bid builds on a record of early achievements, professional experience, and a stated commitment to youth participation, European engagement, and the enhanced representation of the Armenian community within Cyprus’s political landscape.
