Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy MP George Pamborides and figures close to former party leader Averof Neophytou exchanged criticism on Tuesday over discussions about the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
The disagreement followed comments attributed to Neophytou’s associates that resolving the Cyprus problem should take priority over discussions on potential presidential candidates.
Cyprus problem priority
Sources close to Neophytou, quoted in local media, said that “everyone’s ambition should be the resolution of the Cyprus problem and not the chairs”.
They said the focus should be on diplomatic efforts rather than internal party competition.
Pamborides response
Responding on X, Pamborides said he agreed with the position attributed to Neophytou’s associates, writing that “Disy was founded to solve the Cyprus problem and this shall always take precedence over any other issue, much less the personal agendas of any politician”.
He also criticised political figures preparing for the presidential race, referring to those who “gather advisors and staff around them, arranging ministerial positions” and “set up election headquarters and entertain party executives all day long”.
“Cyprus is too small to hide,” he wrote, adding that politicians would be judged on their handling of negotiations, “starting with the government itself”.
Pamborides said he hoped no one would use the Cyprus problem for political communication strategies, warning that those doing so would bear “very heavy responsibilities”.
Potential candidates
The comments came days after Pamborides announced that he would seek the Disy nomination for the 2028 presidential election. He named himself, Neophytou and House President Annita Demetriou as possible candidates.
Demetriou said Pamborides’ interest in becoming the party’s candidate was “legitimate”, while maintaining that Disy would field its own candidate in the presidential election.
Neophytou led Disy from 2013 to 2023 and was the party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election. He did not reach the second round, finishing behind Nikos Christodoulides and Akel-backed candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis.