Democratic Rally must approach the 2028 presidential election with a comprehensive political proposal shaped through the party’s collective procedures, DISY President Annita Demetriou has said.
Speaking on ANT1’s Mera Mesimeri programme, Demetriou said personal ambitions were legitimate provided they did not undermine the party’s unity.
Meeting with Averof Neophytou
Referring to her recent meeting with former DISY President Averof Neophytou, Demetriou said it took place in a positive atmosphere and included discussions on the Cyprus problem and internal party matters.
She described communication between party officials as essential, adding that differing views should be expressed through the procedures provided by the party.
Decisions on the 2028 election
Demetriou said decisions concerning the 2028 presidential election would be taken by the appropriate party bodies, with the participation of DISY members.
The party’s proposal cannot be limited to choosing a candidate, she said, but must also include a specific governing plan and clearly defined political positions.
Commenting on names being discussed as potential candidates, she stressed that no one could pre-empt the party’s statutory procedures.
She also supported the formation of a broader centre-right alliance based on DISY’s principles, values and political identity.
DISY’s relationship with the government
On DISY’s relationship with the government of President Nikos Christodoulides, Demetriou reiterated that the party remains in opposition and is carrying out that role responsibly.
She said DISY would support government policies that serve the public interest. Where the party disagrees, it will exercise criticism and submit alternative proposals.
Support for Cyprus talks
Turning to the Cyprus problem, Demetriou welcomed meetings between the two leaders but stressed that substantive progress was needed.
The objective, she said, was to resume negotiations from where they had stopped, on the basis of the agreed framework and United Nations resolutions.
Demetriou reiterated DISY’s support for every serious effort by the President of the Republic in that direction. However, she noted that no concrete results had emerged so far that would allow firm conclusions about the course of the process.
Pensions and public finances
Demetriou also addressed pension reform, saying the aim should be to ensure fair and adequate pensions without increasing contributions or raising the retirement age.
DISY has established a dedicated working group to examine the bill once it is submitted to Parliament. Its assessment will also consider the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund and the stability of public finances.
Regarding depositors affected by bank bail-ins and holders of securities, she reiterated DISY’s position in favour of gradually restoring their losses over a ten-year period, provided the country’s economic stability and growth prospects are protected.
Concluding, Demetriou said personal and political aspirations could not take precedence over the interests of the party and, above all, the country.
