Averof Neophytou, former president of the Democratic Rally (DISY), has left open the possibility of standing again for the Presidency of the Republic, linking any future decision to progress on the Cyprus problem. Speaking on Sigma TV's Protoselido ("Front Page"), he also criticised his own party's political leadership over past Cyprus problem decisions and questioned President Nikos Christodoulides's account of the new presidential limousine purchase.
A conditional presidential bid
Asked whether he would be interested in the Presidency should there be no substantial development on the Cyprus problem, Mr Neophytou said he would consider it "with great, great seriousness." He clarified, however, that he has not made any decision.
Asked about the fact that Cypriot voters did not choose him in the previous presidential election, he said that if he decides to run again, "the people will judge."
He also drew a comparison with former US President Donald Trump, remarking that "even Trump lost to Biden and came back."
The Cyprus problem condition
Mr Neophytou directly linked his political decisions to developments on the Cyprus problem. He said that if a strategic agreement is signed that leads to a prospective solution, he would stand alongside President Christodoulides.
"If this strategic agreement is signed so that we have a solution to the Cyprus problem after 52 years and more of Turkish invasion and occupation, we will stand beside the President," he said, adding that otherwise, each person would make their own decisions.
He further argued that Cypriot society has grown accustomed to the status quo, both on the Cyprus problem and in everyday matters, and shows reluctance towards change. "We prefer the chaos we live in rather than a better tomorrow through change," he said.
Self-criticism on DISY's past positions
On political responsibility for past developments on the Cyprus problem, Mr Neophytou stressed the need for self-criticism from Cyprus's political leadership. He referred to 2004 and the Greek Cypriot side's rejection of the Annan Plan, arguing that the historical assessment of events cannot be limited solely to Turkish intransigence.
"If we believe we made no mistakes from 1960 until today, I believe we have little chance of correcting course on the national issue," he said.
He also offered personal self-criticism regarding the period of the economic crisis, describing as a "big mistake" the abstention he and his party maintained during the first vote on the deposit haircut.
Criticism of Christodoulides over the presidential limousine
Mr Neophytou was notably pointed when asked to comment on the purchase of a new presidential limousine, costing approximately €600,000, and President Christodoulides's statement that he had not been aware of the matter.
Mr Neophytou raised the issue of political accountability, noting that "nothing goes to the House of Representatives without first passing through the Council of Ministers."
"In a democracy, I expected that my President, who governs the country, would know what a 13-year-old child learns in their first civics lesson," he said.
He maintained that he considers the matter particularly serious, regardless of whether the relevant security services deemed the vehicle's purchase necessary. He gave the limousine debate a broader dimension, arguing that elected officials must manage public funds according to principles of accountability, noting that public money ultimately comes from citizens' taxes and state borrowing that future generations will be called on to repay.
