Former President Anastasiades visits Athens amidst DISY leadership changes

On Thursday evening, October 8, 2026, former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades was observed at a restaurant in the Kolonaki district of Athens. The former leader was seen enjoying a live music performance by singer Stavros Konstantinou during his visit to the Greek capital.

His appearance in Athens coincided with significant political developments within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus, specifically the withdrawal of Annita Dimitriou from the party's presidential nomination race. Earlier in the week, Anastasiades had publicly expressed concerns regarding internal party divisions following the candidacy of Averof Neofytou, warning that the party had put the cart before the horse and calling for unity. While some reports frame his trip as a personal break from the intense political pressure surrounding these events, his presence in Athens occurred simultaneously with the shifting landscape of his former party.

As of now, the party is processing the withdrawal of Dimitriou and the implications for its leadership structure. Future developments depend on how DISY navigates these internal challenges and potential shifts in candidate support.