President Nikos Christodoulides has continued his efforts to make inroads into the Democratic Rally (DISY) party, this time by appointing Maria Manoli Christofidou, the former district secretary of the DISY-affiliated women’s organisation (GODISY), as Commissioner for Personal Data Protection. The move is widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to expand his political influence among segments of the DISY base.
The President’s decision to promote a DISY-affiliated figure has been interpreted in political circles as a fresh blow to the party, just months before parliamentary elections. It further exacerbates the internal discord sparked by Christodoulides’ candidacy in the 2023 presidential election, when he ran against the official DISY nominee. Some observers see the appointment as a calculated step toward building political capital ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Parliamentary ambitions and a sudden withdrawal
Christofidou had previously expressed interest in standing as a DISY candidate in the Nicosia district for the upcoming parliamentary elections. However, she ultimately did not submit a formal declaration during the party’s candidate selection process on 9 September. A few days later, she published a written statement on her personal Facebook account, claiming her candidacy was “not deemed desirable.” She added that “it was preferred not to give the opportunity, so as not to ‘disturb the balance’ and quotas.”
It remains unclear when Christofidou was informed by the President of his intention to appoint her as Data Protection Commissioner, or whether this played a role in her decision not to pursue a parliamentary candidacy. The development raises questions over whether the President is intentionally courting disaffected or ambitious DISY members — a tactic some liken to that of the far-right ELAM party, which has also been accused of seeking to weaken DISY from within.
Frustration within the governing coalition
While the President may believe this strategy strengthens his re-election prospects, it risks alienating his coalition partners. A senior figure from one of the governing parties told Politis they were “unable to understand the logic” behind Christodoulides’ decision, adding that the appointment has satisfied neither the coalition parties nor DISY.
The coalition parties — DIKO, EDEK, and DIPA — have previously voiced dissatisfaction with their limited role in the administration. Despite their participation in the government, they continue to perform poorly in opinion polls and acknowledge that their association with the Christodoulides presidency has not improved their public standing.
Many party officials believe their low poll ratings are the result of minimal participation in decision-making and the lack of high-profile appointments for their top figures. Some voices within the coalition argue that, ahead of the parliamentary elections, the government should have prioritised appointing figures from their own ranks.
Cabinet approves appointment
Christofidou's appointment as Commissioner for Personal Data Protection was formally approved on Wednesday during a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace. According to a statement from the Presidency, her term will begin on 28 September 2025 and conclude on 27 September 2031.
