Former DISY president Averof Neophytou said he “cannot be politically absent” and wants to lead the country, setting out his position during a press conference at the Hilton Nicosia on Tuesday morning.
“Great visions have no place in divided homelands,” Neophytou said, pointing to developments surrounding the Cyprus problem, regional instability and the financial pressures facing households.
Cyprus problem at the forefront
“I cannot be politically absent,” Neophytou said, “when yesterday the people of Cyprus heard something that, for me, had been expected since last weekend: Ms Holguín saying that the window on the Cyprus problem is closing.”
Neophytou also referred to upheaval in the wider region, saying that “the war in Iran is bringing household finances to their knees and creating a new energy crisis”.
Cyprus, he added, cannot remain complacent in the face of the status quo.
“I was and remain against the status quo,” he said. “These are the major issues at stake for our country.”
“I hear the concerns and I want to lead,” he added.
Housing and financial pressures
Neophytou also addressed the economic difficulties faced by citizens.
“I see the difficulties you are facing,” he said, referring to economic pressures and unaffordable housing, at a time when, as he put it, prosperity in the country is reflected only in economic indicators.
“The political system, however, cannot tackle social inequality,” he said.
Neophytou argued that there are three groups within the Cypriot population.
“One third is doing well,” he said. “Another third struggles at the end of the month to make ends meet, and one third of our fellow citizens cannot make ends meet.”
He described this as the greatest failure in the management of the country.
Call for leadership
Neophytou said Cyprus needs leadership that is prepared to speak the truth without considering the political cost, as well as leadership capable of creating a vision for the country.
The press conference was scheduled to take place at 10am on Tuesday at the Hilton Nicosia.
