Disy Vice-President Giorgos Karoullas has called on former party leader Averof Neophytou to pursue the presidential nomination through Disy's internal procedures, if he wishes to run, while urging senior party figures to show restraint after a series of heated public exchanges. "I cannot imagine Averof Neophytou being outside the process," Karoullas said. Speaking to Andri Daniel on the programme Defteri Matia on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6, Karoullas sought to lower the temperature inside the party, stressing that the moment calls for "a responsible stance, seriousness and collective responsibility." He added: "There is no need right now for us to be making statements and counter-statements. And I will not judge or criticise any fellow party member."
Karoullas argued that differing approaches within Disy are part of the party's democratic functioning and maintained that the procedures already agreed can lead to a shared outcome. "There are different readings, but in the end everything settles down," he said, noting that the aim is to arrive at a single candidate who will also be supported by those who may contest the nomination against them. "We are seeking a healthy pre-election contest without words that wound. There is always a day after," he said. Responding to the observation that the party is not currently presenting an image of unity, Karoullas acknowledged that there are different readings and several figures interested in the nomination, but insisted that the answer lies in the party's procedures. "In the end, you can be sure that we will settle on one candidate, as we have collectively declared as Democratic Rally," he said.
A call for restraint
Karoullas returned several times to the need for senior members to stop trading blows in public. "Restraint is needed during this period. Great restraint from all of us. There is no need for statements and counter-statements. There is no need to judge or criticise anyone," he said.
He made particular reference to Neophytou, stressing that the former leader has the same right as any other party member to seek the nomination. "I am certain that Mr Averof Neophytou will come forward through our democratic, collective procedures. The same right belongs to the President, Mrs Annita Demetriou. The same right belongs to any member of Democratic Rally who wishes to stand as a candidate for the nomination," Karoullas said.
Asked whether he was effectively calling on Neophytou to move within the party process, Karoullas replied that the message applies to everyone. "Averof Neophytou is a former president. He served the party and the party has honoured him. I cannot imagine Averof Neophytou being outside the process," he said. Invited to comment on the fact that Neophytou has not yet clarified his intentions, Karoullas concluded: "We are waiting. I am certain that, as a true Disy man, he will come forward through this process."
