“The upcoming elections are critical, as what’s at stake is the proper functioning of Parliament and the country itself,” says the Deputy Spokesperson of DISY, Xenia Constantinou, speaking to Politis. She warns of the possibility that parties and individuals could enter Parliament who operate irresponsibly and with populist agendas. She explains the fundamental difference between DISY and ELAM, stressing that “You don’t become right-wing by wearing a black shirt and waving the Greek flag.”
She also expresses the view that DISY “must move forward with its head held high and reintroduce itself to society as the reformist, centre-right party of Cyprus, with bold and forward-thinking proposals across all sectors.” She refers to Kaiti Cleridou, saying she “symbolised the passion for peace, and an unwavering faith in a solution to the Cyprus problem.” Constantinou also analyses the concept of Cleridism, noting that the term “has often been used frivolously and as a means of self-promotion by many.” As for the President of the Republic, she comments that “he’s good in appearances - the issue lies in substance.”
Many consider the upcoming parliamentary elections to be the most critical yet for the future of traditional parties. Do they truly pose an existential challenge for historic parties?
In the 2026 parliamentary elections, the prospect of stability is pitted against the possibility of chaos. Things are extremely critical. Politics must be conducted responsibly, always prioritising the interests of the country above all else.
If Parliament fills with parties and MPs who act irresponsibly and populistically, we may find ourselves without a state budget, with bills that never secure a majority to pass, with funds being lost, and the country backsliding. And along with it, all of us.
So, to return to your question: the upcoming elections are indeed crucial, and what’s at stake is the smooth functioning of both Parliament and the country.
Some might say it was your generation’s turn to claim a seat in Parliament. Why didn’t you run?
On Monday, DISY officially approves its candidate lists in all districts. I believe we have the most capable candidates from every point of view. They represent every generation and society more broadly.
As I stated before the submission deadline, for a number of reasons I’m not on the ballot this time—but that doesn’t mean I’m absent from the campaign. Sometimes, one consciously chooses to take a step back in order to redesign the path forward.
For a strong DISY
What is your assessment of DISY’s current trajectory?
The country needs a strong and robust Democratic Rally that functions seriously and responsibly. Sometimes, with regret, I observe the internal and external rumour-mongering, driven by narrow personal agendas.
DISY has no time to waste on internal matters. It must move forward with its head held high and reintroduce itself to society as the reformist centre-right party of Cyprus, with bold and innovative proposals across all areas.
Reforms in the functioning of the public service, public education, and public healthcare are essential. The country needs bold moves to win the fight for survival and progress.
Next year we’re not voting for a president. We’re voting for the level of our country’s Parliament.
For those with short memories, for those who align with the ideology of the free market, the modernisation of the state, the attraction of investment, and the targeted support of those in need, they remember well how many times DISY saved the day, rescuing the economy and securing national stability.
The Right and ELAM
ELAM is trying to convince voters that it’s a party of the right, capable of occupying DISY’s political space. Are there ideological and political differences between the two parties?
The fundamental difference between DISY and ELAM is that we want to move the country forward, while ELAM wants to drag us backward.
ELAM is against Europe, against a solution to the Cyprus issue, and economically aligns with AKEL’s positions.
You don’t become right-wing by putting on a black shirt and waving a Greek flag. You are right-wing when you love Greece and Cyprus, when you know history and literature.
When you are proud of your national identity and language - without insecurities or persecution complexes.
You’re a right-wing party when you believe in, defend, and vote for policies that foster development, prosperity, and the modernisation of the state - driven by genuine responsibility and patriotism.
Nikos Christodoulides and substance
How do you interpret President Christodoulides’ attempt to present himself as a representative of DISY’s political positions?
President Christodoulides is good at appearances. The issue lies in substance. Two and a half years have passed with him at the helm, and we haven’t seen a single reform completed or a major new project delivered.
So, he can present himself however he wishes - we’re not petty.
We welcomed every effort he made that we considered to be in the right direction and criticised others that we deemed mistaken.
But I repeat: every government is ultimately judged by the substantive legacy it leaves behind.
Kaiti Clerides: A courageous soul
Kaiti Clerides passed away recently, and many from the Turkish Cypriot community also paid tribute. What is the political symbolism of her life?
Kaiti Cleridou symbolised the passion for peace, the unwavering faith in solving the Cyprus issue, and activism for her ideals.
Through her long and consistent journey, she also symbolised endurance and resilience in a struggle she likely knew was difficult to win, yet she never abandoned it.
A mutual friend once told me that the courage of a person’s soul is measured not when they go with the flow, but when they go against it for what they believe in.
And I would say that Kaiti had tremendous soul-courage, as well as kindness. She deeply loved people, animals, books, the arts, and all of Cyprus.
Moreover, Kaiti was the daughter of Glafcos and Lila Clerides. Their only child. She carried the political legacy of her name with dignity.
Perhaps Kaiti never became a major political figure, but just as her father and mother earned people’s respect and love, regardless of class, party, or background, through their honesty and humanity, so did their daughter. She lived her life with integrity and won the affection of people from every corner of Cyprus.
Cleridism has faded but not vanished
The term Cleridism is a worn and overused concept. It has often been used lightly and for self-promotion by many.
But you can’t simply reduce Glafcos Clerides - his life, history, and five decades of political service during Cyprus’s most difficult times - to a mere label.
He was the first major leader to speak of federation as the only feasible solution for securing the future of Hellenism in Cyprus.
He brought Cyprus and Greece closer than ever before. He established the joint defence doctrine and negotiated courageously and strategically for a Cyprus settlement.
Above all, he masterfully convinced both domestic and international audiences that small Cyprus could achieve what was, for many, unthinkable at the time: full EU membership.
So, if Cleridism means patriotism, strategic vision, multidimensional policy, integrity, respect for opponents, political responsibility, and tireless, systematic effort to resolve the Cyprus issue, then I would say: yes, it has faded, but it hasn’t disappeared.