Demetriou and Dipa back Radiomarathon 2026 as Alma criticises its approach

Nicosia, Cyprus. Political parties responded to Radiomarathon 2026 on Monday as the annual charity campaign began, with Disy and Dipa offering backing and Alma objecting to its underlying approach.

Disy leader endorses the campaign

Disy leader Annita Demetriou announced her backing for the initiative in an Instagram post. She said she was again supporting the effort to assist children in need and described the party’s participation as practical help for them. In the post she wrote: “Every donation counts, every gesture matters and every contribution can prove truly valuable.”

Related: Radiomarathon 2026 raises €450,000 for people with disabilities

RelatedRadiomarathon 2026 raises €450,000 for people with disabilities

Demetriou added that modest gestures of solidarity made now could help build a future society offering greater opportunities, equality and compassion.

Dipa hands over its contribution

Dipa also confirmed its support. Party president Marios Garoyian, together with vice-president Antigoni Papadopoulou and Konstantina Konstantinou, who heads the party’s women’s wing, went to Radiomarathon’s central collection point on Stavrou avenue in Nicosia. There they delivered the party’s contribution.

In a statement, Dipa said the yearly initiative reminds people that every effort involves individuals and families who need care and practical help. The party said solidarity becomes meaningful when turned into action, and stressed that dignity, equality and inclusion should be daily priorities.

Alma rejects the underlying philosophy

Alma, by contrast, strongly opposed the thinking behind Radiomarathon. In a statement issued on November 2, the party said: “The dignity of people with disabilities is not an object of charity or publicity exploitation.”

Alma argued that disability should not be portrayed as a spectacle or used as a means of provoking emotional responses.