Internal friction within the Democratic Rally party ahead of the 2028 presidential elections

Recent political developments in Cyprus have highlighted growing tensions within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party as it prepares for the 2028 presidential elections. Former President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiades has publicly called for unity and adherence to the party's constitutional procedures, following the candidacy announcements of both Annita Demetriou and Averof Neofytou. Anastasiades explicitly warned that bypassing these processes or operating outside the party structure could lead to a severe rift and potential electoral defeat for DISY.

Meanwhile, Averof Neofytou has remained ambiguous regarding whether he will follow formal internal party processes, comparing the current situation to a "marked deck of cards." He has dismissed allegations of secret deals regarding the parliamentary presidency and rejected claims that he was betrayed. As of late September 2026, Neofytou insists that he will determine his own timeline for future announcements, while Anastasiades urges the party to prioritize collective wisdom over personal ambition to ensure a coherent path forward.