Averof Neofytou criticizes traditional parties over handling of the Cyprus problem

Former Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Averof Neofytou has publicly accused both his own party and the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) of failing to resolve the Cyprus problem. In recent television and online statements, Neofytou characterized these parties as having sacrificed a viable solution for narrow partisan gains and political survival, describing their past actions as "fatal mistakes.

Neofytou specifically attributed historical failures to past party leaderships. He criticized AKEL for its opposition to the 1978 Anglo-American-Canadian plan and the 2004 Annan Plan, citing leaderships under Ezekias Papaioannou and Demetris Christofias. Regarding DISY, he pointed to the abandonment of the Ghali Ideas under Glafcos Clerides and the collapse of the 2017 Crans-Montana talks under Nicos Anastasiades. Critics argue his rhetoric oversimplifies the issue by ignoring Turkish intransigence and Neofytou’s own prominent role in the political landscape during these periods.

Political analysts suggest that this shift in discourse serves as an attempt by Neofytou to reframe his historical legacy rather than a genuine exercise in objective historical assessment. The accusations have sparked significant debate regarding accountability for long-standing policy decisions on the island's national issue.