Karousos Criticises Georgiades Over Refusal to Back Neophytou’s Presidential Bid

Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy deputy leader Yiannis Karousos has sharply criticised former finance minister Harris Georgiades for declaring that he will not support Averof Neophytou’s presidential candidacy. Karousos said the letter does not serve party unity and claimed that “some are trying to create a climate of tension”.

Remarks on Ant1

Karousos spoke on Tuesday on the television channel Ant1. He said Georgiades ought not to have made the announcement, while acknowledging that doing so was within his rights.

The institute role

Karousos noted that Georgiades presides over the Glafcos Clerides Institute, the think tank affiliated with Disy. In his view, that institutional position carries an obligation and a responsibility to work on the campaign of whichever candidate party members select.

The letter to Demetriou

In his letter to party leader Annita Demetriou, Georgiades wrote that he could not support Neophytou amid pressure and open political blackmail. He also offered to resign from the institute.

Asked about the reference to blackmail, Karousos responded: “so, Harris is saying that Annita lied?” He said Demetriou had stated that she withdrew from the race for the sake of party unity.

Impact on the campaign

Karousos said such statements add fuel to the fire and do not help the party’s candidate perform well in the presidential elections. He argued that the prevailing climate benefits only President Nikos Christodoulides.

He contrasted Georgiades’ stance with that of former president Nicos Anastasiades, who has not publicly backed either candidate. According to Karousos, Anastasiades’ statements differ greatly from those of Georgiades.

Karousos’ own position

Asked whether he supports Neophytou, Karousos acknowledged having a preference but declined to disclose it publicly.