Averof Neophytou will today submit the support forms for his candidacy for the DISY nomination for the 2028 presidential election, while George Pamboridis has announced that he has also completed the collection of the required signatures, effectively confirming that two candidates will contest the party's nomination.
Neophytou's press office informed journalists that the former party president will visit DISY headquarters on Pindarou Avenue at 5pm to submit the forms supporting his candidacy and make a statement outside the building.
In a video released on Wednesday against the backdrop of the unfinished Vasiliko energy project, Neophytou asked his fellow party members for their vote of confidence, effectively putting an end to speculation that he might seek the presidency outside the party structure.
Candidate nominations are due to be submitted on 26 October, while the internal party election is scheduled for 28 November.
‘We have finished with the signatures’
Earlier on Thursday, Pamboridis told Alpha TV's Alpha Kalimera programme that he had also completed the signature-gathering process.
“We have finished with the signatures,” he said.
He described the process as largely procedural but argued that it had taken unnecessarily long, particularly for someone who is not a career politician.
Repeating previous criticism of the party's nomination rules, Pamboridis noted that only 100 signatures are required to contest a presidential election, compared with 500 signatures for a DISY nomination. He attributed the requirement, which includes district-based quotas, to what he described as an outdated political mentality.
‘Unthinkable’ for the loser to run independently
Commenting on a commitment, reaffirmed on Wednesday by party leader Annita Demetriou, that the unsuccessful candidate would support the winner, Pamboridis suggested too much attention had been given to the question of whether the defeated contender would remain involved.
“What matters is for the losing candidate to respect the rules of the game,” he said.
He added that it would be “unthinkable” for anyone who participates in the party's internal process to subsequently launch an independent presidential bid.
At the same time, he welcomed Neophytou's decision to seek the nomination through the party.
Christodoulides and the need for reconciliation
Pamboridis also maintained that cooperation with President Nikos Christodoulides would not be possible unless the rift created during the 2023 presidential election is repaired.
“With an apology, even miracles can happen,” he remarked.
He stressed that any decision on cooperation would belong to the party's collective bodies rather than individual figures, adding that he was merely indicating what he believes would be required.
Pamboridis noted that Christodoulides has not publicly declared his intention to run again and suggested that, if he does, it would be as a candidate outside DISY unless he were to appear at party headquarters on Monday and submit a nomination.
According to Pamboridis, anyone seeking the party's support from outside its ranks must find a way to restore that relationship first.
Assessment of the government
Reflecting on the Christodoulides administration, Pamboridis said it had performed well below the expectations it initially set for itself.
However, he described the government's overall performance as “more or less satisfactory,” characterising its approach as managerial and conservative at a time when everyday challenges facing citizens continue to grow.
Addressing former president Nicos Anastasiades' proposal for future cooperation, Pamboridis said the party's position already addresses the concerns raised by the former head of state.
He added that he informed Anastasiades of his candidacy out of respect and received his best wishes for success.
Barbs directed at Karousos
Pamboridis was also critical of DISY vice-president Yiannis Karousos, who has repeatedly claimed that some party officials spend their mornings at the Presidential Palace and their afternoons at DISY headquarters.
Pamboridis responded that he personally plays no role in either setting and challenged Karousos to clarify his allegations and identify those he is referring to by name.
He described the current period as a particularly critical one for the party, warning that increasing toxicity and internal disputes are damaging supporters, including voters who backed DISY hesitantly in May's parliamentary elections.
