Annita Demetriou clarifies decision to withdraw from 2028 presidential race

Annita Demetriou, President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), officially clarified her decision to withdraw from the race for the 2028 presidential nomination, characterizing it as a conscious political choice intended to safeguard party unity. Speaking on the Alpha Cyprus program "Bras De Fer," Demetriou dismissed as "vile and baseless" the rumors suggesting her withdrawal was the result of personal blackmail. She noted that her assessment of the political environment, including the potential for Averof Neofytou to run independently, led her to believe that her candidacy would cause further fragmentation within the party.

While acknowledging that she felt hurt by the conduct of former leader Averof Neofytou during internal negotiations, Demetriou emphasized that their relationship is currently stable and that she would provide him with full support if he secures the party's nomination. She categorically ruled out the possibility of DISY supporting an AKEL candidate in the 2028 elections and confirmed she has no intention of resigning as party leader. She further indicated that she is considering running for a second term as head of DISY to complete her strategic agenda, even as she expresses frustration with internal party members who continue to fuel discord through public statements instead of focusing on unity.