Michalis Sophocleous, former DISY MP and former director of ex-president Nicos Anastasiades' office, says the party must clarify its political position towards the Christodoulides administration if it is to present a credible governing alternative ahead of the next presidential election.
Speaking on Politis radio's Morning Briefing, Sophocleous argued that Annita Demetriou's decision to withdraw from the race for the party's presidential nomination removes a political weakness within the party and creates new possibilities for the future.
'To be constructive opposition, you first have to be opposition'
Asked whether Demetriou's withdrawal signalled a shift away from DISY's approach of constructive opposition, Sophocleous was blunt.
“A constructive opposition should always be constructive, but in order to be a constructive opposition, it must first be an opposition.”
The comment appeared to be a pointed criticism of DISY's stance towards the government in recent years.
'The problem is political, not personal'
Discussing the contest between Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamboridis, Sophocleous declined to endorse either candidate.
Instead, he insisted the focus should be on the political proposals each puts forward.
“The problem facing Cyprus is political, not personal.”
He said DISY must develop a platform capable of appealing beyond its traditional party base.
Addressing concerns over whether a DISY candidate can reach the second round of the presidential election, Sophocleous acknowledged such concerns are understandable, particularly after the party's experience in 2023.
He argued that success will depend on party unity around a shared political programme rather than merely around a single individual, followed by efforts to attract broader support across society.
'The era of politicians trying to please everyone is ending'
Sophocleous said today's political environment differs significantly from previous presidential campaigns and requires greater boldness in pursuing reforms.
“The era of politicians who simply want to be liked and avoid upsetting anyone, while undermining the country's prospects, is coming to an end.”
He argued that Cyprus needs courageous and credible policies rather than an approach aimed at avoiding change in order not to offend vested interests.
'Annita was not sacrificed'
Asked whether DISY had effectively sacrificed its leader to avoid internal conflict, Sophocleous rejected the suggestion.
He described Demetriou as a major political asset for the party and noted that she remains both DISY president and Speaker of the House.
“She is not being sacrificed in that way.”
He added that she remains a young politician with significant potential to contribute in the future.
Comments on Frixos Koullermou
Sophocleous also commented on reports concerning the involvement of Frixos Koullermou, publisher of Alithia, in discussions preceding Demetriou's withdrawal.
He noted that Koullermou has long-standing ties to DISY and has never hidden his relationship with the party.
According to Sophocleous, political discussions of this kind require people with “historical wisdom” and the ability to speak credibly to all sides involved, placing Koullermou in that category.
