A clear statement by Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Annita Demetriou that the party will remain in opposition and contest the 2028 presidential election with its own candidate, thereby ruling out support for President Nikos Christodoulides, may appear self-evident. However, the categorical position was clearly not made in a vacuum but was a response to recent public statements and behind-the-scenes discussions concerning the party's strategy ahead of the presidential race.
Speaking on Sigma TV's morning programme on Tuesday, Demetriou sought to clarify the course being followed by the party leadership, underlining the importance of maintaining a clear centre-right political identity and respecting the party's constitutional procedures for selecting a presidential candidate through its collective bodies.
She pointedly stated that DISY:
"Belongs in the opposition"
and is fulfilling that role in a constructive manner.
While stressing that DISY has supported important reforms, including cases where it took the lead ahead of the governing parties, she made clear that the party will not support Christodoulides in the next election.
"He cannot receive the party's support," she said,
explaining that DISY will present its own political proposal for the presidential election.
Referring to party members who may seek the presidential nomination, Demetriou said:
"There are constitutional procedures, and the candidate will be selected through the party's competent bodies."
She also emphasised that:
"Personal ambitions are legitimate, but they must serve the broader interests of the political movement and the country."
She added that party members should have a say in selecting the candidate and that the established procedures must be followed.
Averof's response
Demetriou's remarks nevertheless highlighted differing views within the party, with former DISY president Averof Neophytou taking a different position.
Speaking to Omega TV, Neophytou argued that if a serious effort emerges to resolve the Cyprus issue, the party's priority should be support for a settlement rather than party electoral considerations.
He indicated that he would be prepared to stand alongside President Christodoulides if major developments occur on the Cyprus issue, adding that in such circumstances he would set aside any personal ambitions regarding the next presidential election.
"Would the historic DISY movement, in the event of a strategic plan for a Cyprus settlement, insist on candidacies, or would it support what fulfils the very reason for our existence as a political movement?" he asked.
The comment came in response to Demetriou's clear position that DISY will not support Christodoulides and will instead field its own candidate in 2028.
According to Neophytou, DISY was founded to serve as the voice of patriotic realism, and the Cyprus issue remains the movement's foremost priority.
It should be noted, however, that despite maintaining an opposition stance on domestic matters, Demetriou has consistently stressed that the DISY leadership retains institutional respect for the presidency and is prepared to support reforms and initiatives, including confidence-building measures (CBMs) and efforts by the UN Secretary-General, when they move the Cyprus issue in the right direction.
