Speaking to Politis, DISY MP and party spokesperson Onoufrios Koulla discusses what is at stake in the upcoming parliamentary elections and the prospects for post-election cooperation. He argues that “on the economy, ELAM aligns itself with AKEL’s irresponsible populism” and urges DISY voters to reflect carefully on the consequences of a weakened party. He also warns that ELAM’s positions on the Cyprus problem are dangerous for Greek Cypriots, as they would effectively vindicate Turkey. “With such views,” he says, “we would be left exposed and condemned by the UN and the European Union.”
High stakes in a volatile political landscape
DISY is heading into the parliamentary elections amid a critical and fluid political environment. Is retaining first place an end in itself, or are there specific stakes involved?
“There are certainly stakes - greater than ever,” Koulla says. “We are facing an unprecedented political climate, marked by increasing frivolity, toxicity, extremism and disinformation. First place alone sends a strong political message. If AKEL were to win the elections, wouldn’t it claim its views had been vindicated? Wouldn’t it say it has momentum and is on a path back to power?”
He stresses that it is equally important for DISY to secure more seats than AKEL in the new House of Representatives. “With more seats, you can tip the balance in parliamentary votes—and we have seen this many times. DISY voters must therefore think carefully: do they really want a weak DISY and a ‘vindicated’ AKEL? I don’t believe they do.”
Koulla predicts that party mobilisation will grow significantly as election day approaches. “Parliamentary elections require seriousness and rationality to prevail over populism and superficiality. Citizens must ask themselves what kind of parliament they want, and who will represent Cyprus domestically and abroad. A vote lasts five years and can lead to paralysis if taken lightly.”
DISY versus ELAM
Asked about the political differences between DISY and ELAM, Koulla responds bluntly: “They are enormous. On the economy, ELAM aligns itself with AKEL’s irresponsible populism. On many occasions they have voted together in favour of dangerous proposals. They represent the forces of stagnation.”
He cites their joint rejection of the new teacher evaluation framework and their shared Euroscepticism. “They question core European values and the need for common European policies. For example, they both voted against the new, stricter EU migration framework.”
“We have nothing in common with a party that promotes extremism and hatred,” he adds. “DISY believes in human rights, sober political discourse and rational solutions - not slogans that sound appealing but lead to harmful outcomes.”
On the Cyprus problem, Koulla is particularly critical. “ELAM’s positions are a gift to Turkey. With such views, Cyprus would be left exposed. The UN and the EU would condemn us—and even Greece would be unable to support us. These positions are dangerous for Greek Cypriots because they absolve Turkey of responsibility and embolden its behaviour, with unpredictable consequences.”
Is ELAM pushing DISY to the right?
Does ELAM’s rise push DISY towards tougher positions and more conservative rhetoric?
“I don’t believe we have adopted hardline or conservative positions,” Koulla replies. “We speak with logic and say what we believe, regardless of who agrees or disagrees. DISY has always stood for the family, Greek cultural values, our history, a Western orientation, freedom of expression, national defence and faith. Perhaps these were not emphasised enough in the past because we considered them self-evident—but that was a mistake.”
Post-election cooperation
Which parties could DISY work with after the 2026 parliamentary elections?
“That’s an easy question,” Koulla says. “The same ones we worked with in the local elections - the parties of the centre, primarily DIKO and DIPA. This cooperation is already evident in parliament, such as during the recent tax reform, where we worked together to achieve a strong outcome for the economy and citizens.”
“When there is convergence on direction - such as tax relief rather than new taxes - cooperation follows naturally. Cyprus needs cooperation. No one can achieve results alone, especially in today’s political environment.”
Constructive opposition
Has DISY’s role as a constructive opposition benefited society?
“Undoubtedly,” Koulla says. He points to the state budget, tax reform and amendments to legislation affecting businesses, healthcare and education. “Through our interventions, serious flaws were corrected and dangerous proposals were avoided. Given AKEL’s negative stance and the weaknesses of the current government, DISY has taken on the responsibility of building majorities to move the country forward.”
Responding to criticism - particularly from AKEL - that DISY’s role is unclear, Koulla says: “AKEL sees politics in black and white. We take a consensus-based approach. We don’t oppose for the sake of it, nor do we support uncritically. When we disagree, we work with other forces to improve legislation in the public interest.”
Stepping away from parliamentary politics
Despite being eligible for another term, Koulla has chosen not to stand again.
“This was not a recent decision,” he says. “I decided back in 2016 that ten years in office was enough. Politics should be about service, not a career. My ambition was not simply to enter politics, but to leave with my head held high.”
He says he will remain loyal to DISY and continue to support the party as an ordinary member. “Today we see others doing the opposite - changing their beliefs to secure positions, like professional football transfers.”
Reflections on parliament and the future
Koulla describes parliamentary work as demanding and largely unseen by the public. “Most of the real work happens in committees, not during Thursday plenary sessions. That said, there are weaknesses, including excessive bureaucracy. That is why we are working on a new set of parliamentary rules to be adopted before the end of this term.”
As for his future, he rules out any further political ambitions. “Only a supportive role, if asked. I am completing my cycle as an MP and seeking work in the private sector. For now, however, I remain fully focused on my parliamentary duties and the upcoming elections.”