Neophytou praises Demetriou’s withdrawal from Disy’s 2028 presidential nomination race

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Disy leader Averof Neophytou on Thursday praised his successor Annita Demetriou’s decision not to seek the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election as “wise” and “responsible”. Her withdrawal leaves Neophytou and former health minister George Pamboridis as the two remaining candidates for the party’s endorsement.

Neophytou calls for unity

Neophytou said he had spent the past ten days supporting calls from a large proportion of citizens for a “national awakening” to overcome passivity, address the country’s major problems, provide prospects for young people and build a just society.

He described Disy’s membership as “the valuable and irreplaceable core of this Cyprus-wide movement”, adding that its members also safeguard the party’s unity.

“I have repeatedly declared to these wonderful people that I will never hurt them. After the announcement made by our party leader Annita Demetriou, who made a wise and responsible decision which strengthens the unity of our party, I have only one thing to say. We are moving forward together,” he said.

Demetriou says Disy must field its own candidate

Earlier on Thursday, Demetriou said she would not seek the nomination in order to preserve party unity. She said members had expressed “concern and anxiety regarding the risk of division once again”.

“Such an outcome would be disastrous for our party and for our country. It would also have negative consequences for our ultimate effort. It is primarily my responsibility, as party leader, to prevent this, to safeguard Disy, an institution which stands above individuals,” she said.

Demetriou said the party’s unity and cohesion were paramount and that, “as the guardian of that unity”, she had decided not to seek the nomination.

“I reiterate that Disy must field its own candidate and move towards the presidential elections. The party’s democratic procedures will be followed, and the verdict of the members will be respected,” she said.

Division in the 2023 election

Demetriou’s reference to division “once again” follows the 2023 presidential election, when two Disy members stood as candidates. Neophytou was the party’s endorsed candidate, while Nikos Christodoulides ran as an independent with the backing of Diko, Dipa and Edek.