Politics

Ioannides Defends Demetriou Withdrawal, Says It Averted DISY Split

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Michalis Ioannides argues Annita Demetriou's withdrawal removed the risk of an independent candidacy and prevented a deeper internal division within DISY.

Michalis Ioannides, head of DISY's shadow cabinet, has defended Annita Demetriou's decision to withdraw from the race for the party's 2028 presidential nomination, arguing that it changed the political landscape and prevented a potentially damaging split within the party.

In a post on X, Ioannides revisited the circumstances that led to Demetriou's withdrawal and appeared to direct criticism at a rival contender, claiming that until last Thursday morning it remained unclear whether he would participate in the party's internal process or pursue an independent candidacy.

Questions over a possible independent run

According to Ioannides, both party members and the wider public were uncertain about the intentions of one of the contenders for the nomination.

He claimed that despite appeals from party officials, friends and associates over a two-week period, the candidate avoided clarifying whether he would take part in the internal election process.

In his view, an independent bid could have undermined DISY's chances of winning the presidency and deepened divisions within the party.

Ioannides argued that Demetriou's withdrawal fundamentally altered the situation by politically obliging the contender to remain within the party process and accept the eventual verdict of members.

"From Thursday afternoon, after the President's decision to withdraw, that threat no longer exists."

"She chose the path of greatest personal cost"

Ioannides described Demetriou's decision as courageous, saying it was taken in response to what he called an "asymmetrical threat" facing DISY rather than a challenge directed at her personally.

He argued that she chose between two difficult options and selected the one carrying the greatest political cost for herself but the least damage for the party.

"The President's courage lies in choosing the path with the greatest personal political cost and the least harm for the party."

He insisted that the events he described were factual rather than a personal political interpretation.

Rejects claims of political messaging

Responding to criticism of his recent public interventions, including his endorsement of George Pamporidis, Ioannides rejected suggestions that he was promoting a political narrative or acting on behalf of others.

"I have never served narratives for anyone and I will not start doing so at the age of 50. I will continue to record facts, however uncomfortable they may be."

He also argued that the recent developments would leave a lasting mark on DISY's history and suggested Demetriou's handling of the situation would serve as a lesson for future party leaders.

Calls for political accountability

In the closing part of his statement, Ioannides shifted the focus to political responsibility.

He argued that accountability lies with those who created the circumstances that led to the crisis rather than with those highlighting the issue or attempting to resolve it.

"Political responsibility lies with those who create the faits accomplis, not with those who calmly point them out or seek solutions."

He further suggested that acknowledging mistakes and offering a genuine apology for recent events could help ease internal tensions.

"An admission of error and a meaningful apology for what happened could be a way forward. I do not know. But it is the only dignified direction, if the political courage exists."

Despite the disagreements within the party, Ioannides concluded by stressing that DISY members and officials remain part of "one party, one family".

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