Stefanos Stefanou critiques DISY over campaign rhetoric and political deals

On September 29, 2026, General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, responded to recent comments made by DISY Vice President Savia Orphanidou. Orphanidou had previously urged DISY supporters to mobilize against the potential return of AKEL to power. Stefanou dismissed this approach as a form of political fear-mongering, arguing that parties should focus on substantive policies and proposals rather than relying on creating a perceived threat to secure votes.

Furthermore, Stefanou expressed skepticism regarding public discussions concerning political negotiations for the 2028 presidential elections. He specifically condemned reports of backroom deals, such as trading support for the Presidency of the House for backing in the presidential race, labeling them as transactions that contribute to public cynicism toward politicians. He emphasized that AKEL refuses to participate in such bargaining, prioritizing instead the development of a minimum political agenda focusing on the Cyprus problem and the economy. The party intends to begin formalizing its candidate selection process at the start of the new year.