Reporting by Politis journalist Niki Laou
George Pamborides on Thursday held his first press conference as he campaigns for the Democratic Rally (DISY) nomination for the 2028 presidential election, presenting policy proposals across a range of issues and outlining what he described as a reformist vision for Cyprus.
Pamborides said he wants to focus on the substance of politics and on addressing the country's major challenges through practical solutions.
The Cyprus problem was identified as his top priority. He also highlighted Cyprus' geostrategic importance and the need to strengthen international alliances.
Turning to domestic affairs, he spoke about institutions, vested interests and the fight against corruption, arguing that Cyprus requires a new, modern and functional constitution.
The presidential hopeful said he wants a state that serves its citizens, supported by modern education, a flexible and digitalised public administration, fast and effective justice, a humane welfare state and investment in innovation and development.
He also acknowledged public concerns over inflation and the cost of living, proposing interventions in four key areas: affordable housing, energy costs, education expenses and transport.
Pamborides' proposals
Affordable housing
- State support measures
- State guarantees for young couples
- Rent subsidies
- Housing incentives
Energy costs
- Transition to natural gas
- Electricity interconnection
- Modernisation of infrastructure
- Lower electricity costs for households
Education
- Reform of the education system
- Use of school facilities for afternoon classes
- Expanded access to preparatory programmes for students pursuing higher education
Traffic congestion
- Permanent resolution of traffic problems through scientific study
- Examination of solutions such as trains and trams
- Treating traffic congestion as an emergency issue
- Upgrading the traffic police with modern equipment and specialised personnel
Health and welfare
- Completion of the autonomy of public hospitals
- Activation of university clinics
- Stronger supervision of the General Healthcare System (GeSY)
- Stricter controls and penalties
Five pillars of the economy
- Sustainable development
- Fiscal stability
- Quality jobs
- Targeted attraction of foreign investment
- Growth that benefits citizens
Entrepreneurship
- Reducing bureaucracy
- Policies for small, medium-sized and large businesses
- Support for start-ups
- Connecting research with market needs
- Attracting investment into the local economy
A 'radical centre-right'
Pamborides also spoke of two competing political mindsets and two different approaches to public policy.
He advocated what he called a renewal-focused and modernising agenda, as well as a radical centre-right approach that promotes reforms for the benefit of society.
He appeared to take aim at political opponents by referring to what he described as a transactional approach to politics and outdated practices within the existing political system.
'I hope Averof doesn't mean it'
Asked by journalists to comment on rival candidate Averof Neophytou's suggestion that sanctions on Russia should be lifted, Pamborides responded bluntly.
"It's nonsense," he said.
He added that campaign pressures sometimes lead politicians to say things they do not truly mean.
"I hope Mr Averof doesn't mean it."
Asked about party unity, Pamborides argued that the way he conducts politics makes him "the only one working for unity", describing the disputes that have dominated internal party discussions as "pettiness" that is damaging DISY.
He also referred to previous disagreements with Neophytou but said he would support him if he were ultimately chosen as the party's candidate.
Confident of victory
Concluding the press conference, Pamborides said he was confident that DISY would both reach the second round of the presidential election and win power if he became the party's nominee.
"There is no possibility that DISY will not be in the second round and will not win power if I am the candidate," he said.
Acknowledging that the statement might sound arrogant, he nevertheless argued that he is capable of appealing both to voters who have drifted away from the party and to broader political and social groups across Cyprus.
The press conference was held in the Ledra A Hall at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia.
