Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy leader Annita Demetriou said on Sunday that the party will put forward its own candidate for the 2028 presidential election and will not support a potential candidacy by President Nikos Christodoulides. She said the party remains in opposition following the previous presidential election.
Position on the 2028 election
Speaking to Politis, Demetriou said she did not share the view that the recent parliamentary elections were a prelude to the 2028 presidential race.
She said Disy would select its own presidential candidate through the party’s democratic procedures, in line with its statute. Under recently changed party regulations, the candidate is chosen by the party’s base.
House presidency and personal intentions
Demetriou was re-elected House president with the votes of Disy, Diko and Direct Democracy.
She declined to say whether she is considering a presidential run herself, saying voters had given a clear mandate for parliamentary work rather than a focus on the presidency.
“It is not possible for the country to be permanently in a pre-election period. We have ahead of us important reforms, social challenges and serious issues that require solutions,” she said. “That’s where our attention is focused.”
No talks on candidate or political trade-off
Demetriou said there had been no discussions within Disy on who its presidential candidate might be, adding that the party has more immediate priorities.
She also ruled out any discussions with Diko under which Disy support for his House presidency would be exchanged for Diko backing a Disy candidate for president of the Republic.
Areas of agreement with Diko
She said the two parties do agree on some issues and that this cooperation should continue.
“But understanding and consensus on issues of policy and bills is not a secret transaction. It is an element of democratic functioning and is absolutely necessary,” she said.
