Annita Demetriou has said recent developments within DISY left her feeling hurt, particularly in relation to former party leader Averof Neophytou, as she defended her decision to withdraw from the race for the party's 2028 presidential nomination.
Speaking on Alpha Cyprus programme Bras De Fer with Emilia Kenevezou, Demetriou described managing internal party affairs as a "minefield", marked by disagreements, tensions and political infighting.
"There was no personal blackmail"
Demetriou firmly rejected claims that her withdrawal was the result of personal pressure or blackmail.
She said the decision was based on a political assessment of the situation, explaining that there was a possibility Neophytou would run as an independent candidate if he failed to secure the party nomination.
Under those circumstances, she concluded that maintaining her own candidacy could create additional divisions within DISY.
She also rejected suggestions that poor polling influenced her decision, arguing that opinion surveys conducted so far ahead of an election should not dictate political choices.
"Averof hurt me"
Referring to Neophytou, Demetriou acknowledged that she felt hurt by how events unfolded.
She suggested she would have preferred direct communication between the two of them rather than messages being conveyed through intermediaries.
Despite her disappointment, she said their personal and political relationship remains good and expressed confidence that they could work together effectively if Neophytou were elected President of the Republic.
She added that disagreements are inevitable in a large political organisation and should be resolved through dialogue.
Considered accepting Georgiades' resignation
Demetriou also addressed the resignation tendered by Harris Georgiades as president of the Glafcos Clerides Institute.
She revealed that her initial reaction was to accept the resignation but that, following consultations with the party leadership, she opted instead to seek a resolution.
She said she has already spoken with the former finance minister and that a meeting between them is planned.
"Why should I resign?"
Responding to speculation about her own future as DISY leader, Demetriou questioned why she should step down when, in her view, she acted to safeguard party unity.
She said she does not believe her leadership is being challenged and intends to remain at the helm of the party.
While acknowledging the difficulty of balancing competing interests within DISY, she noted that the party has overcome major internal crises in the past.
She also left open the possibility of seeking the party presidency again in the future, saying she has not completed the work she wants to do within the organisation.
Rules out backing AKEL candidate
Looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election, Demetriou ruled out the possibility of DISY backing an AKEL candidate in a second-round run-off.
She expressed confidence that DISY's eventual nominee could reach the second round and said the party's political platform would form the basis of its election campaign.
Demetriou also sought to distinguish DISY's political role from that of President Nikos Christodoulides, arguing that defining the direction of the centre-right remains the responsibility of the party itself.
Criticism of appointments
The DISY leader also commented on appointments involving figures associated with the party.
She said she disagreed with Nikos Tornaritis' decision to accept the role of Special Political Representative for the Cyprus issue in Asia and Africa.
Regarding Tina Pavlou, who was appointed Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Demetriou said she would have expected to be informed beforehand, while wishing her success in her new position.
