Internal friction grows within DISY as Averof Neofytou challenges Annita Demetriou

An internal political confrontation is developing within the DISY party in Cyprus between its president, Annita Demetriou, and former leader Averof Neofytou. The tension escalated following remarks by Neofytou, who suggested during a meeting attended by MEP Fidias Panayiotou that Demetriou owes her recent re-election as Speaker of the House to his support.

Reports indicate that these comments were accompanied by direct and indirect pressure on Demetriou to step aside and postpone her potential candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections by five years. Despite this concerted effort to persuade her to withdraw, Demetriou has consistently rejected these requests, maintaining her intent to pursue her political objectives. The situation highlights a power struggle over the future direction and leadership of the party, as Demetriou has clearly communicated her refusal to yield to the pressure applied by Neofytou’s camp.

This development comes amidst wider speculation regarding internal party unity and the competitive landscape for future presidential bids within the DISY ranks. There is no official indication of upcoming internal elections, but the firm stance taken by both parties suggests that this rivalry remains active and unresolved.