Internal crisis and tensions escalate within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party

The Democratic Rally (DISY) party is facing a deepening internal crisis, with prominent member of the Political Bureau, Michalis Sophocleous, expressing significant concern regarding the party's trajectory. Sophocleous, who recently attended a party meeting for the first time in three years, argued that the decline of the organization began as early as 2018, rather than in 2023. He criticized the erosion of the party's traditional character, which was historically known as a serious and responsible political force.

Simultaneously, tensions have surfaced within the party’s inner leadership circle, known as the "morning coffee" team. Reports indicate dissatisfaction among members regarding the management style of party president Annita Demetriou. Critics argue they have been marginalized despite their contributions to previous electoral successes, including the European elections. Further friction was caused by Demetriou's lack of early clarity regarding her intentions for the presidential race, which some claim allowed other candidates to gain an advantage at the party's expense. While her allies describe her as a survivor, they acknowledge the necessity for more substantive collective cooperation, citing the political trajectory of Nicos Tornaritis, who shifted from being a close associate of the president to holding a role linked to the Presidential Palace.