List of Presidents of Cyprus: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Cyprus from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Cyprus, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Cyprus: Nikos Christodoulides (in office since 2023).

Presidents of Cyprus in order, with years in office

Makarios III

Served: 1960–1974

Archbishop and first president of Cyprus; he was overthrown in the coup of 15 July 1974.

Nikos Sampson

Served: 1974 (acting)

Installed as de facto president by the coup leaders from 15 to 23 July 1974.

Glafcos Clerides

Served: 1974 (acting)

House president who served as acting president from 23 July to 7 December 1974.

Makarios III (restored)

Served: 1974–1977

Returned in December 1974 and served until he died in office on 3 August 1977.

Spyros Kyprianou

Served: 1977–1988

House president who became acting president on Makarios's death, won the 1978 election and served for over ten years.

George Vasiliou

Served: 1988–1993

Independent businessman backed by the left.

Glafcos Clerides

Served: 1993–2003

Democratic Rally leader who led Cyprus through its European Union accession negotiations.

Tassos Papadopoulos

Served: 2003–2008

Democratic Party leader; Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 during his term.

Dimitris Christofias

Served: 2008–2013

First president from the communist party AKEL.

Nicos Anastasiades

Served: 2013–2023

Democratic Rally leader who served two terms.

Nikos Christodoulides

Served: 2023–present

Former foreign minister who won the February 2023 election as an independent; the next election is due in February 2028.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Cyprus

Who is the current president of Cyprus?

The current head of state of Cyprus is Nikos Christodoulides, in office since 2023.

Who were the previous presidents of Cyprus?

The presidents and heads of state of Cyprus listed on this page, in order, are: Makarios III, Nikos Sampson, Glafcos Clerides, Makarios III (restored), Spyros Kyprianou, George Vasiliou, Glafcos Clerides, Tassos Papadopoulos, Dimitris Christofias, Nicos Anastasiades, Nikos Christodoulides.

Who was the first president of Cyprus?

Makarios III was the first president of Cyprus, in office 1960–1974.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Cyprus; Cyprus Mail, Associated Press and Rio Times reports (checked Nov 2026). Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus since independence in 1960. The Turkish Cypriot vice presidency (1960–1973) and the separate leaders of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are not listed.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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