Neophytou and Pamboridis file candidacies for Disy presidential nomination

Nicosia, Cyprus. Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamboridis formally entered the race on Monday for Disy’s presidential nomination, launching an internal contest that looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election.

Two different arrivals

The way each candidate reached Disy’s headquarters in Nicosia pointed to a different campaign style. Neophytou was welcomed by cheering supporters, while Pamboridis came in a lower-key manner.

Young supporters had gathered outside the party offices on Pindarou Street. As Neophytou arrived to file his candidacy, they chanted “Seismos, seismos, Synagermos”, meaning earthquake, earthquake, Disy.

The former party leader looked pleased with the welcome. He smiled, acknowledged the crowd, and stopped several times to greet people and pose for selfies before making his statement.

Neophytou’s statement

Speaking at what he called his political home, Neophytou said he was putting forward his candidacy with responsibility and emotion. He said he was among his large party family, the Democratic Rally, and that Disy’s thousands of members would decide on his bid.

He called the upcoming internal vote a great celebration for democracy and for the party. He stressed that it would be the first time thousands of members would pick the party’s presidential candidate.

Focus on the cost of living

Much of his speech dealt with the financial strain on Cypriots in daily life. He spoke directly to younger supporters, pensioners and small business owners.

Addressing younger people, he said: “I live your anxieties and your struggles. I live and experience your disappointment.”

He added that he understood how hard it was for people such as Yiannis and Chrystalla to make ends meet, pay rent and cover electricity bills, as the cost of living keeps rising.