Former DISY president Averof Neofytou has signalled that he is leaning towards seeking the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election, issuing a message to the party base just hours before Friday’s crucial Political Bureau meeting.
While Neofytou has not formally announced his intentions, a social media post published ahead of the meeting is being interpreted as a strong indication that he intends to pursue the presidential nomination through the party process rather than as an independent candidate.
Message to the party base
In his statement, Neofytou thanked supporters for the messages he has received in recent days from across Cyprus and the wider political spectrum.
“I am moved and strengthened by the thousands of messages you send me in every possible way, compatriots from every corner of Cyprus, members of the diaspora, citizens from across the political spectrum, independents and, of course, fellow DISY supporters,” he said.
He then addressed DISY members directly, saying he had never doubted “the genuine and selfless people of our historic movement, the Democratic Rally”.
“Together we have travelled this path for 50 years. Through difficult and easy times. Through joys and sorrows. Through successes and failures,” he said.
‘I will never betray you’
The most striking part of the statement was a pledge to the party base.
“I will never betray you,” Neofytou said.
He added that “we will not allow anyone to betray our shared vision and our plan for the country and our children again”.
The post concluded with the phrase “we move forward together”, wording that has attracted particular attention given the ongoing debate over DISY’s internal presidential selection process.
Political Bureau to decide timetable
Neofytou has yet to confirm whether he will officially enter the race, but in recent days he has repeatedly expressed reservations about the proposed timetable, arguing that it does not allow sufficient time.
The DISY Political Bureau is due to meet at 5pm to consider the Executive Bureau’s proposal for nominations to be submitted on 13 October and for the internal election to take place on 14 November.
According to reports, the possibility of extending the deadlines remains under discussion, with former health minister Giorgos Pamboridis expected to seek additional time for the process.
