Source says Averof Neophytou will seek 2028 Cyprus presidency

Nicosia, Cyprus. A source close to former Disy leader Averof Neophytou confirmed to the Cyprus Mail on Thursday that he has decided to run in the 2028 presidential election. Neophytou has said a public announcement would depend on whether there is progress on the Cyprus issue during the United Nations General Assembly.

Party support and announcement

Asked about support within Disy, the source said Neophytou had made his decision “regardless of the party procedures” and that it was up to the party to decide whether to back him.

Speaking on Omega on Wednesday, Neophytou referred to himself in the third person, saying that “if, God forbid, the weekend is bleak, a dead end, and nothing moves, Averof will be a candidate”. He said he was ready to stand if there were no developments, but that even a small confidence-building measure could count as movement. In that case, he said, political forces should support the effort.

Disy selection process

Disy MP Demetris Demetriou told Politis radio that the party “will adhere to its statutes” in choosing a candidate. He said he hoped Neophytou would not announce his candidacy on Monday and that developments would delay an announcement.

Demetriou defended giving party members a say in the choice. “Democracy has never been a dead end, it’s a healthy system,” he said.

Neophytou also criticised Disy and Akel, accusing both parties of setting the Cyprus problem aside for political expediency.