DISY MEP Loukas Fourlas rules out candidacy for 2028 presidential elections

On October 12, 2026, Loukas Fourlas, a Member of the European Parliament and head of the Cypriot delegation to the EPP, released a formal statement clarifying that he will not pursue the candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections. The decision follows internal party pressure and requests from DISY officials and members urging him to run after party leader Annita Demetriou withdrew her own interest in the nomination.

Fourlas expressed his gratitude for the trust shown by his colleagues but emphasized that his political career is not driven by personal ambitions for high office. He reiterated his commitment to serving citizens in his current capacity. However, he did not hide his disappointment regarding the party's internal situation, stating that his previous suggestions to avoid an internal electoral process to select the presidential candidate were ignored. He criticized the current state of affairs within the Democratic Rally, noting that recent developments have created an unpleasant image for the party, and he called for a more responsible and mature political discourse among members.

The party now faces the challenge of managing the selection process for its presidential candidate amidst internal dissatisfaction. The consequences of this ongoing political instability within the party remain to be seen as the organization prepares for future electoral procedures.