Nicosia, Cyprus. Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos said on Tuesday that he met Disy leader Annita Demetriou as discussions began over support ahead of next week’s parliamentary vote for House president. Papadopoulos said his party would assess all parties’ intentions before making decisions.
Meeting confirmed
Papadopoulos confirmed the meeting during an appearance on Omega, but did not disclose details of the discussion. He said Diko would seek meetings with all parties and decide once it had all the facts before it.
Possible political deal
There has been speculation that Diko and Disy could reach an arrangement under which Disy would support Papadopoulos for House president in return for Diko backing Demetriou in the 2028 presidential election. Papadopoulos denied that such talks were taking place and said the presidency of parliament was “in no way connected” to the 2028 presidential election.
House presidency race
Demetriou served as House president in the last parliament, but her chances of re-election appear uncertain after Elam leader Christos Christou and Alma leader Odysseas Michaelides both said publicly that they would not vote for her.
Papadopoulos said that, regardless of whether Diko and Disy cooperate over the parliamentary presidency, the two parties would continue their parliamentary cooperation because it is “for the benefit of the country.”
Asked whether he would stand for House president, he said any decision would be made after consultations with other parties.
The new parliament is due to convene on June 4 to elect a House president.
