A recent exchange has highlighted delicate relations between the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (Oev) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), following a social media post by Oev general director Michalis Antoniou.

The post described Oev as the largest and truly independent employers’ organisation in the country, a statement that has unsettled parts of the business community.

According to a report in Politis, Keve president Stavros Stavrou responded in a lengthy internal letter dated February 26, addressed to collaborators and members, many of whom are also Oev members.

Stavrou said members had been calling him to ask what Antoniou meant by truly independent and whether it implied Keve lacked independence.

He stressed that organisations of common interest must operate independently, free from conflicts of interest, and that their decisions should reflect the common good of members and society.

Moreover, he assured members that the chamber of commerce is truly independent, while hinting that other organisations claiming independence should be assessed by members themselves.

The letter prompted a response from Oev president George Pantelidis, who criticised Stavrou’s note as insulting to Oev leadership, part of which overlaps with Keve’s own leadership.

Pantelidis highlighted regional instability, stating that while the area faces unpredictable threats and asymmetric challenges, Stavrou’s priority was an offensive against Oev.

He described the remarks in Stavrou’s letter as petty, but emphasised Oev’s commitment to continued cooperation with Keve for the benefit of businesses and the wider economy.

Furthermore, Pantelidis called for collaboration beyond labour issues, noting that recent joint efforts sent a clear message that business interests are united, and warned against any actions that could undermine cooperation or support for enterprises.

Reactions to Stavrou’s letter also came from other recipients, including Pentelis Christofidis, president of the Cyprus-Canada Business Association, who said he was unaware of the letter’s content, had submitted no related questions, and stressed that the association does not represent a state authority.