Internal disputes within DISY party following Averof Neofytou's presidential candidacy announcement

Former DISY MP Christos Pourgouridis publicly addressed the current internal turmoil within the Democratic Rally (DISY) on October 2, 2026. The tension follows Averof Neofytou's announcement of his intention to run for the Presidency of the Republic. Pourgouridis maintained that while Neofytou was within his rights to express such an interest, the subsequent friction has negatively affected party members and supporters.

In a separate critique, Pourgouridis leveled strong accusations against former President Nicos Anastasiades. He alleged that Anastasiades is operating behind the scenes to influence the party, aiming to protect his personal legacy and attacking individuals who oppose his desired direction. Pourgouridis described these actions as "unhealthy" for the organization, urging the party leadership to prioritize institutional principles over the interests of former prominent figures. He specifically criticized party members who are actively promoting closer cooperation with the Christodoulidis administration.

This development highlights a growing rift within DISY regarding its strategic alignment and internal governance. The party currently faces the challenge of managing the conflicting ambitions of its senior members while determining its relationship with the sitting government, as pressures mount to uphold procedural consistency and institutional integrity.