Fidias Panayiotou says his Direct Democracy Movement is already in discussions with ALMA over the possibility of identifying a joint candidate for Cyprus' 2028 presidential election, while contacts with other political parties, including AKEL, are also being considered.
Speaking during an online meeting with party members and supporters, Panayiotou stressed that discussions remain at an early stage and no final decisions have been taken.
ALMA first, broader talks later
According to Panayiotou, talks with ALMA are currently the movement's primary focus.
If those discussions progress, the movement plans to engage with extra-parliamentary parties before potentially opening dialogue with AKEL to assess whether common ground exists.
The movement insists that no cooperation has been finalised and that all options remain under consideration.
Averof speculation remains in the background
The report notes ongoing speculation in political circles that the movement could be politically closer to Averof Neophytou.
That perception was reinforced, according to Politis, by the positive tone Panayiotou used when referring to the former DISY leader during the online discussion.
However, no specific agreement or collaboration with Neophytou has been announced.
Internal vote also under consideration
Direct Democracy is also examining the possibility of fielding its own presidential candidate.
One proposal under discussion would allow party members to contest the nomination, with the eventual candidate selected through an internal vote conducted via the movement's digital platform.
Party officials stressed that this remains one of several scenarios being considered and that no final decision has been made on the nomination process.
Early planning for 2028
The discussion formed part of a wider online meeting attended by nearly 100 members and supporters, including MPs Dimitris Baros and Yiannis Laouris.
Panayiotou presented the plans as preliminary thinking rather than settled policy, emphasising that political developments and strategic priorities could still change in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential race.
