With the new parliament reshaping political balances and public debate already shifting towards the 2028 presidential election, Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Annita Demetriou sets out her position in an interview with Politis, her first since being re-elected Speaker of the House. She makes clear that DISY will contest the presidency with its own candidate and rules out any cooperation with Nikos Christodoulides.
Demetriou places her party firmly in the role of responsible opposition, responds to discussions about the new parliamentary dynamics and sends messages on the Cyprus issue, the fight against populism, social priorities and the need for a full investigation into the so-called ‘mafia state’ case, stressing that for DISY there are no exceptions and no one is above scrutiny.
Many believe that the outcome of the parliamentary elections foreshadows the 2028 presidential race. Do you agree that the new balance of forces is already reshaping the political map?
There is no doubt the political landscape has changed. Two new parties entered parliament, while others were left out. That alone creates new realities. However, I do not share the view that parliamentary elections determine the outcome of presidential elections. In politics, results do not automatically carry over from one ballot to another. Each contest has its own dynamics, dilemmas, priorities and particularities. That said, the outcome of the parliamentary elections does carry its own significance.
Are you interested in the 2028 presidential race after securing 27 per cent in the parliamentary elections?
Everything in its own time. Right now, citizens have given us a clear mandate for parliamentary work, not for endless presidential speculation. The country cannot remain in a constant pre-election mode. We face important reforms, social challenges and serious issues that require solutions. That is where our focus lies. We want to be useful to citizens and effective for the country. Everything else will be discussed at the appropriate time.
Christodoulides ruled out
What are the chances that 2028 will repeat the 2023 scenario, with two candidates coming from DISY, given that Nikos Christodoulides identifies as a party member and is widely expected to run again?
It is far too early for such discussions. The parliamentary elections have just concluded. What I can say with certainty is that DISY will have its own candidate, selected through its internal democratic procedures, as provided for in the party’s statutes.
Following a reform I proposed and which was approved by the party congress, the DISY candidate will now be chosen directly by the grassroots, by all party members. This is a transparent, open and binding process. Anything more would be premature.
So Mr Christodoulides cannot be DISY’s candidate?
No, he cannot.
‘We remain in opposition’
And joining his government is also ruled out?
This has been answered long ago. DISY is in opposition, where voters have placed it. Full stop. That does not mean blind rejection or negativity. For us, unlike AKEL, it means responsible opposition. We support what we believe is right for the country, we criticise where necessary, amend legislation and put forward proposals.
Above all, we prioritise the interests of Cyprus and its citizens. This has been our approach for the past three and a half years and will remain so for the rest of the term.
Beyond yourself, do you expect other DISY figures to contest the party nomination for the presidency?
I cannot pre-empt anyone’s decision, including my own. The statutes allow anyone who meets the criteria to run, which is healthy for a democratic party. But, to be honest, such discussions are not taking place right now. We have more immediate priorities.
Rumours of defections
There are reports that members of your shadow cabinet have been approached for ministerial posts in a possible reshuffle. What is your response?
Are there such reports? I am not aware of them. In any case, it would be rather paradoxical. The shadow cabinet was created to monitor, assess and propose alternative policies. That is its role. From the president’s side, such a move would also be problematic.
No deal with DIKO
How do you respond to claims of an agreement with DIKO to hand over the House Speakership to Nicholas Papadopoulos in exchange for presidential support?
There is no such agreement. It is true that we often converge with DIKO on strategic issues – foreign policy, Cyprus’ European and Western orientation, the economy and the need for a strong welfare state. But that does not mean backroom deals. Cooperation and consensus on policies are part of democratic functioning and absolutely necessary.
Higher pensions, increased child benefits and affordable housing — can you deliver on the commitments made, including those highlighted in the video with Fidias Panayiotou? You set the bar high and it provoked reactions.
The bar should always be set high. Societies move forward through ambition, vision and planning. These priorities were already central to DISY’s platform. Direct Democracy supported goals we already considered necessary: fairer pensions, support for families and tackling the housing crisis.
No one claimed these could be achieved overnight. Politics is not a magic wand. But with planning, persistence and priorities, we can achieve a great deal. Our economy has the potential to support more ambitious social policies, provided there is sound management and reform.
Political stability
With the new parliament about to begin work, there are concerns about whether consensus can be reached. What message do you send?
The message is simple: without cooperation and consensus there can be no progress. In a multi-party parliament, no one can impose their position alone. If everyone clings to red lines, the result will be paralysis.
DISY believes in compromise and bridging differences. Citizens elected us to deliver solutions, not to highlight disagreements.
Do you expect stability or a period of constant negotiation?
The election outcome largely preserves political stability, which is positive. The new parliament must act as a stabilising force for both the state and the economy. From our side, we will remain responsible and institutional in our approach, guided solely by the interests of citizens and the country.
Are you open to cooperation with parties outside parliament?
Of course. Politics is not limited to parliamentary seats. There are political forces and individuals with whom we can find common ground. We believe in cooperation based on policies, not exchanges. Consensus matters when it serves ideas, not positions.
AKEL’s stance not helpful
You spoke of political toxicity before the elections, and tensions with AKEL remain high. Has anything changed?
Unfortunately not. AKEL has continued exactly where it left off. Its approach does not help parliament function properly. It favours confrontation and polarisation. Our priority, by contrast, is cooperation.
From the very outset, AKEL chose to engage in intense confrontation over the chairmanships of parliamentary committees. Our priority was to ensure the smooth start of the House’s work and to avoid deadlock. The only discordant note in the effort to reach consensus was AKEL. Isolation is a political choice. When we respond to AKEL, it is to set the record straight. We cannot remain silent in the face of propaganda or misinformation.
Populism
The rise of populist and extreme voices is becoming more apparent. Does this concern you?
This is not unique to Cyprus; it is a global phenomenon. But voters also sent a message in favour of stability and seriousness. Populism offers easy answers to complex problems, and we have seen where that leads – to dangerous outcomes for the country.
Our role is to remain a voice of responsibility, realism and serious politics. The way to counter populism is through truth, credibility and consistency.
Cyprus issue: ‘Too early to speak of momentum’
You recently met UN envoy María Ángela Holguín. Do you foresee a solution plan coming in conjunction with other areas of interest for Turkey?
It is too early to draw such conclusions. The United Nations is making a serious effort, under the Secretary-General’s initiative, to convene a new expanded ‘5+1’ conference aimed at resuming negotiations. At the same time, Turkey seeks to upgrade its relations with the EU, which could act as leverage.
With EU–Turkey relations creating a new dynamic framework, driven by Turkey’s push to upgrade the customs union, secure visa liberalisation and participate in SAFE.
Our position is clear: progress in EU-Turkey relations must be linked to tangible steps on the Cyprus issue. Turkey cannot ask for everything without offering anything in return.
At the recent EPP (European People’s Party) summit, our wider European political family, we achieved an important result for our country. Our proposal was incorporated into the final communiqué with a specific reference to Cyprus: that Europe’s security architecture cannot be complete while an EU member state remains under Turkish occupation. This strategy of safeguarding and defending our national interests must be pursued jointly and in full coordination with Greece within the European Union.
Do you see a new momentum for a solution to the Cyprus issue?
I would say I do see serious movement, but it is far too early to speak of momentum for a solution. There is an initiative that could lead to a new expanded meeting, and we must make every possible effort to restart meaningful talks.
Until we enter substantive negotiations, it would be premature to speak of anything more. However, readiness and proper preparation are needed for any possible development.
Mafia State: ‘Everything must be brought to light’
What is DISY’s position following the report on the ‘mafia state’?
The position of the Democratic Rally is crystal clear. Everything must be investigated, everything brought to light. We cover for no one, and there is zero tolerance for anything proven to be improper. This is what we said from the very beginning.
There must be scrutiny everywhere, for everyone and without exceptions. This must be done in an orderly manner and within the framework of the rule of law. Justice must be allowed to do its job.
We called for the appointment of independent criminal investigators without any delay. We have never drawn distinctions between ‘our own’ and others.
This is the correct, institutional and responsible stance of the Democratic Rally. In contrast to AKEL, which considers its ‘own’ to be innocent from the outset, and which even today does not respect findings that attribute responsibility to its members or court rulings.
We have never stood – nor will we ever stand – outside courts to protest. All of this constitutes the qualitative difference between the Democratic Rally and AKEL.
‘Mafia state’ investigation
What is DISY’s stance following the “mafia state” report?
Our position is crystal clear: everything must be investigated, everything must be brought to light. No cover-ups, zero tolerance for wrongdoing. There are no distinctions between “ours” and “others”.
Justice must be allowed to do its work. We called from the outset for the immediate appointment of independent criminal investigators. This is the responsible, institutional stance we follow.
