DISY MEP Michalis Hadjipantelas has called on the party to focus on the issues affecting citizens, rather than prematurely turning its attention to the 2028 presidential election.
Speaking on Politis Radio, Hadjipantelas said DISY should concentrate on matters such as the cost of living, fuel prices and interest rates, while putting forward concrete proposals to address them.
"DISY should be dealing with the cost of living and not opening the discussion on the presidential election prematurely," he said.
Improved climate within DISY
Commenting on internal party developments, Hadjipantelas said the atmosphere within DISY had improved following Annita Demetriou's decision to withdraw her interest in seeking the party's presidential nomination.
He argued that a three-way contest could have divided party forces, particularly if Averof Neophytou had chosen to pursue the presidency outside the party's internal procedures.
Hadjipantelas said Demetriou's decision was a personal one and was not the result of pressure, adding that he had supported her candidacy and signed in favour of it.
Calls for unity
On the selection of DISY's presidential candidate, Hadjipantelas called on party members to participate in the internal process and choose between Averof Neophytou and George Pamporidis.
He declined to publicly endorse either contender, stressing instead the importance of unity and calm within the party.
Opposition role
Hadjipantelas said DISY should be more vocal in criticising government mistakes while supporting initiatives it considers positive.
He specifically referred to the need for greater clarity regarding the electricity interconnection project and highlighted problems that have emerged in the natural gas terminal project.
European Parliament work
Discussing his work in the European Parliament, Hadjipantelas said his responsibilities include drafting reports, securing parliamentary majorities and maintaining contacts with the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank.
He also referred to his participation in activities of the European People's Party in Bucharest and his planned representation of the European Parliament at the International Monetary Fund's General Assembly.
