DISY faces internal uncertainty over 2028 presidential candidacy

The Democratic Rally (DISY) in Cyprus is navigating internal tensions following public statements by former party leader Averof Neofytou regarding the 2028 presidential elections. Neofytou stated that if no progress is made on the Cyprus problem during talks in New York this weekend, he intends to run for president. This announcement follows party president Annita Demetriou’s recent expression of interest in the nomination, which she is expected to formalize in October.

While party leadership has attempted to maintain composure, Neofytou’s refusal to clarify whether he will adhere to internal party procedures has sparked concerns regarding a potential independent candidacy. DISY executive director Onoufrios Koullas confirmed that Neofytou had informed Demetriou of his intentions in late August. Meanwhile, party officials like Efthymios Diplaros have called for patience, emphasizing that the party’s priority remains the national issue. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders wait to see if the New York diplomatic meetings yield results that might influence Neofytou’s final decision on his political path.