The three potential contenders for the Democratic Rally's presidential nomination should sit down together and decide who is best placed to unite the party and achieve the strongest result, Giorgos Pamboridis has proposed.
Speaking on Politis radio 107.6 and 97.6 on Morning Briefing with Katerina Eliadi, Pamboridis called on Annita Demetriou and Averof Neophytou to make a sincere effort before the internal party process to determine which of the three could lead a united DISY into the presidential election.
Call for meeting with Averof and Annita
Pamboridis said that if all three genuinely want to help DISY win the next presidential election, “we have nothing to divide us”.
He proposed that they consult with each other and examine which of them is best placed to achieve that objective, describing such a meeting before 26 October as highly desirable.
Pamboridis expressed concern that an electoral process conducted in an atmosphere of tension and toxicity could, as he put it, “water the tree of division rather than the tree of unity”.
He therefore called on the other two potential contenders to make a sincere effort, free from bitterness and hostility, to reach a common decision.
‘If my candidacy stands in the way, I will withdraw’
Pamboridis made clear that he would not rule out withdrawing his own candidacy if doing so were necessary to restore unity within the party.
“If there is any development that would allow unity, that would bring unity back to DISY, and the thing standing in its way is my candidacy, I assure you that I will not hesitate to withdraw,” he said.
Pamboridis argued that none of the three can achieve the goal alone.
“Averof cannot win without Annita and Pamboridis. Annita cannot be elected without Averof and Pamboridis. Pamboridis cannot be elected without Averof and Annita,” he said.
According to him, this is the simple reality that should compel all three to take responsibility and determine “which one of us can unite us all”.
His candidacy as a ‘middle way’
Pamboridis described his own candidacy as a “middle way”, saying it is founded on absolute respect for the party's procedures and for the other two potential contenders.
He expressed his respect for Demetriou, whom he described as the elected president of DISY, as well as for Neophytou, whom he described as someone who has served the party for more than 35 years.
The objective of his candidacy, he said, is to serve ordinary DISY members, move beyond bitterness and tensions, and contribute to restoring unity within the party.
DISY's differences and political identity
Pamboridis said there are different characteristics and political nuances among the potential candidates, noting that their specific positions on individual issues are not identical.
However, he argued that what will ultimately determine the choice made by party members will be the broader political direction and vision for where DISY should go.
Addressing the loss of voters to other political forces, Pamboridis said DISY should not determine its positions solely on the basis of attracting more votes.
When a party has clear positions and speaks honestly to the public, he argued, it can regain people's trust.
‘This image must stop’
Pamboridis also expressed regret over the image DISY is currently projecting, saying the party must put an end to the situation.
He reiterated that DISY's ability to unite its forces and convince citizens and other political groups that it is “turning the page” is, in his view, a prerequisite for winning back voters who had previously placed their trust in the party.
