European Republic (Cyprus)

History

The European Republic was a Cypriot political party founded in 2004 by Giannakis Matsis, a former president of the centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) from 1993 to 1997. The party was established as a result of Matsis' disagreement with his party's support for the Annan Plan, a proposed reunification plan for Cyprus.

Background

Matsis, along with other DISY members who opposed the Annan Plan, including Rikkos Eroskritou and Prodromos Prodromos, decided to form a new political entity. This group of dissidents was initially part of the For Europe movement, which was founded by Matsis to participate in the 2004 European Parliament elections.

Formation and Election

The European Republic was officially announced on June 30, 2004. The party participated in the 2004 European Parliament elections as a coalition called "For Europe" ( Greek: ). This coalition received 36,112 votes (10.8%) and Giannakis Matsis was elected to the European Parliament with a narrow margin of just 37 votes.

Post-Election Developments

After being elected, Matsis joined the European People's Party group in the European Parliament. The European Republic party continued its activities, holding an inaugural congress where Prodromos Prodromoou was elected as the President of the Political Bureau and Rikkos Eroskritou was elected to a leadership position.

Disbandment

The European Republic party was disbanded in 2008.

Note: I've kept the original names and dates intact, while ensuring that the article is written in clear and concise English.