Pamboridis gains backing in Disy nomination contest as Demetriou denies blackmail claims

Nicosia, Cyprus. George Pamboridis is attracting further backing for Disy’s presidential nomination, according to local media, as he faces former party leader Averof Neophytou. Disy leader Annita Demetriou has denied allegations that blackmail prompted her withdrawal.

Reports point to widening support

Reports published on Monday indicated that Demetriou’s departure from the contest had left divisions within Disy unresolved, while an alliance supporting Pamboridis was growing.

Michalis Ioannides, a party deputy and close Demetriou ally, declared his backing for Pamboridis during a Sunday interview with Kathimerini.

According to Politis, former foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides is expected to support Pamboridis. Reporter also identified former deputy welfare minister Anastasia Anthousi as one of those likely to back him.

Other local media reports named Haris Georgiadis, Loukas Fourlas and Ionas Nikolaou as expected supporters. All three had previously been mentioned as potential third contenders for the nomination.

Many party figures told local media that adding a third candidate would benefit Neophytou. Pamboridis, meanwhile, said in a social media post that he wanted to bring the party’s base together and encouraged supporters to move forward.

Dispute over Demetriou’s withdrawal

The reports also highlighted concerns about Neophytou. His critics regard his unwillingness to exclude a presidential bid without Disy’s backing as a form of blackmail, arguing that it compelled Demetriou to withdraw to prevent another party split.

Politis reported that criticism also came from some who had supported Neophytou in 2023. The newspaper said party members backing President Nikos Christodoulides reportedly preferred Neophytou as a rival in 2028 because they considered him the weaker opponent.

In comments to Sigma, Demetriou described the blackmail allegations as “slanderous” and a “shame for those who spread them”.