ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base
Yiannakis Omirou
Giannakis Homer
Giannakis Homer is a Greek Cypriot politician who has held various prominent positions, including President of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, and leader of the Social Democrats-EDEK Movement. Born on September 18, 1951, in Kato Paphos, Cyprus, he studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Homer's involvement in politics began during his studies, where he participated in the occupation of the Athens Law School and the uprising of the Polytechnic. He was also an editor and announcer for the Free Radio Paphos during the July 15, 1974 coup d'état. Following his graduation, Homer worked as a lawyer.
Homer's entry into politics began with his election to the House of Representatives in the Paphos Electoral District in 1981. He was re-elected in subsequent parliamentary elections for periods IV through VII. In 1998, he was appointed Minister of Defence by the Government of Glaukou Clerides and served until January 4, 1999.
During his tenure as Minister of Defence, Homer played a significant role in the decision to cancel the installation of the Russian missile system S300, citing concerns over Cyprus' sovereign rights. This decision led to his resignation from the position.
In 2001, Homer was re-elected to the House of Representatives and subsequently became president of the Social Democrats Movement (EDEK), which he led until 2015. In 2011, he was elected President of the House of Representatives with the votes of the MPs of EDEK.
Homer's leadership in Cyprus has been marked by his commitment to social democracy and his efforts to promote Cypriot interests on the international stage. As a prominent figure in Greek Cypriot politics, Homer continues to be an influential voice in the country's legislative and political landscape.
Yiannakis Omirou
Yiannakis Omirou is also a Greek-Cypriot politician who has held various leadership positions, including president of the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016. Born on September 18, 1951, in Paphos, Cyprus, he studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Omirou's involvement in politics began during his studies, where he was an active member of the resistance movement against the 1974 coup d'état. Following his graduation,