Annita Demetriou withdraws from DISY presidential race

On October 8, 2026, the President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Annita Demetriou, officially announced the withdrawal of her candidacy for the party's nomination in the 2028 presidential elections. The decision was made following an emergency meeting at the party headquarters on Pindarou Street involving Demetriou, Averof Neofytou, and Giorgos Pamporidis. Demetriou stated that her move was a personal initiative aimed at preventing internal divisions within the party, emphasizing that the interests of the political organization take precedence over individual ambitions.

Following the announcement, the race for the DISY nomination continues between former party leader Averof Neofytou and Member of Parliament Giorgos Pamporidis. The aftermath of the meeting sparked significant controversy, as Pamporidis alleged he was pressured to withdraw by Frixos Koulermos, a publisher and founding member of the party. Pamporidis publicly characterized Koulermos as a "guardian" of Neofytou, a claim that surfaced alongside reports of intense political maneuvering behind closed doors.

While Demetriou has categorically rejected allegations of being pressured or blackmailed, stating that her decision was made to restore party unity, the political atmosphere within DISY remains tense. The party is now preparing to follow standard internal procedures to select its candidate, with both remaining contenders pledging to continue their campaigns until the final determination.