Annita Demetriou has strongly rejected speculation surrounding her decision to withdraw from the race for the DISY presidential nomination, insisting that the move was made to ease internal tensions and safeguard party unity.
Speaking on Sigma TV's Proino Protoselido programme on Monday, Demetriou addressed the developments that led to her withdrawal and dismissed rumours of agreements, pressure or blackmail.
'Dignity cannot be slandered'
Demetriou said that while politicians should listen to party members, long-time supporters and associates, responsibility for political decisions ultimately rests with those who make them.
“We have an obligation to listen to what friends, historical party figures and associates believe. Many times I was criticised for this, for being outward-looking. But at the end of the day, the responsibility for what we say and what we do belongs only to us.”
She rejected suggestions of hidden agendas or behind-the-scenes arrangements.
“No hidden agendas and scenarios, no insinuations and claims that undermine our dignity. Dignity cannot be slandered. Some of us have conducted ourselves in politics with complete transparency all these years.”
Asked whether she was referring to rumours that she had been pressured or blackmailed into withdrawing, Demetriou confirmed that she was.
She described both the circulation and repetition of such claims as “shameful”.
Why she stepped aside
Demetriou said the atmosphere that had developed within the party could not continue, arguing that the growing confrontation was creating division and disappointment among DISY supporters.
“I have acted with transparency and sincerity all these years. You didn't have to be a DISY member to understand that this situation could not continue.”
She revealed that she had reached her decision as early as Thursday evening.
According to Demetriou, withdrawing from the race was the only way to break the deadlock that had emerged and to protect party unity.
“It was the decision that would unlock the deadlock and ensure the unity of the party.”
When asked whether she had acted too hastily when she initially announced her candidacy, she said that under the circumstances at the time she believed it was her duty to run.
However, the tensions and divisions that followed convinced her that she needed to take the first step towards de-escalating the crisis.
Koulermos meeting
Demetriou also addressed questions regarding the presence of Frixos Koulermos, publisher of newspaper Alithia, at the meeting where she announced her withdrawal.
She stressed that the invitation came from her personally.
“I invited him,” she said.
Conversation with Pamporidis
The DISY leader also disclosed details of a conversation she had with George Pamporidis before her withdrawal became public.
She said she informed Pamporidis of her intention to step aside in order to help calm tensions within the party.
“George, this is not a healthy situation. It does not benefit our people. Our supporters are reacting. I will be the first to take a step.”
According to Demetriou, Pamporidis tried to persuade her to reconsider.
“To his credit, George tried to change my mind. I told him there was no other way.”
'The party base felt relief'
Demetriou concluded by arguing that her decision had a positive effect on party supporters.
She said she believes her withdrawal helped reduce tensions that had built up within DISY and provided a sense of relief among the party base.
