The Democratic Rally’s (Disy) internal strife in Paphos seems to be expanding on a nationwide basis, with the right-wing party facing the reignition of a civil discord atmosphere that has been simmering since the presidential election.
The situation has escalated into what many insiders describe as an unseen war, reaching a climax that has reignited discussions about the formation of a new political entity.
This has cast a shadow over Pindarou, putting pressure on the new leadership to navigate through these turbulent times. Critics argue that this is a crucial moment for the new leaders to demonstrate their strength and resolve, or risk losing their standing.
The party’s president, Annita Demetriou, had two television interventions yesterday, effectively picking up the gauntlet from former leader Averof Neophytou’s references the previous day, about Disy endorsing deserters.
She defended the party’s decision to back Kostakis Konstantinou for the presidency of the Paphos District Council, a decision ratified by a 59 to 27 vote following a secret ballot. Nicos Anastasiades, former President of the Republic and honorary president of the party, also weighed in, advocating for Konstantinou’s candidacy in the interest of unity.
Demetriou’s comments during her TV appearances marked a departure from her usual rhetoric. She notably addressed Neophytou’s absence and indirect participation via a letter, stating “I believe that this move did not help the effort that Disy and the leadership are making. I understand his emotional charge, and it is natural for everyone to express their opinion. However, Mr. Neophytou was not at the political bureau and was abroad, sending us a letter,” she said on Sigma TV continuing to suggest that “when they say they support the new leadership, they must support us in practice. We’re not saying they shouldn’t express their opinion, but certainly, at this moment, a democratic result cannot be invalidated. Everyone spoke at the political bureau, and lastly, after three hours, was Nicos Anastasiades, who faced criticism from those who didn’t even come to the political office to listen to all the members, the majority of whom were in favour of unity and supporting Mr. Kostakis Konstantinou. That’s their right.”
Annita Demetriou’s references were a response to the posts of the party’s legal advisor, Chris Triantafyllides, who attacked Nicos Anastasiades the day after the political bureau session for his stance, blaming him for the division of the party during the presidential elections, as he rushed to back the independent candidacy of Nikos Christodoulides against that of then-party leader Averof Neophytou.
It’s all Averof’s fault
Demetriou’s references prompted reactions and comments from the former Deputy Minister to the President and former Director of the President’s Office during Nicos Anastasiades’ term, Petros Dimitriou, who sided with Averof Neophytou.
Demetriou maintains very good relations, as it is said, with Averof Neophytou, whom he supported during the pre-election campaign. He is said to have better relations with Averof Neophytou than with Nicos Anastasiades, with whom he was a close associate during his term.
“We blame the one we betrayed because he doesn’t support those who betrayed him. And if he doesn’t do it, we corner him,” Demetriou wrote in a post.
“As if ready for a long time, we moved on to the next phase. The old favourite ‘It’s all Averof’s fault’. An old trick. We learned nothing. Truly very sad. It reminds me of those who rush to comment every time that a rape victim should have been more careful. For example, ‘She shouldn’t have worn short skirts.’
“Perhaps the lesson of unity was at the same time as those 2 to 4 hours of rest for the leadership, and they missed it.
We need to get serious, or we will be crying over ruins. ALL of us. And this time, the absurdity of blaming everything on Averof won’t save anyone. The responsibilities are specific,” he wrote.
Stylianou stands with Annita
Demetris Styliaνou, who has been the organisational director of the party for many years, made a written statement supporting the party’s president, Annita Demetriou. “A message from the heart! We stand by our party’s president, Annita Dimitriou. Only in this way do we defend the Democratic Rally! The burden we placed and she inherited on her shoulders is heavy and difficult,” he noted, adding “We all must contribute to her successfully completing her mission!
And the mission is one: The Democratic Rally as a protagonist. For the salvation of our Cyprus!”
Averof and the references to Crans Montana
Averof Neophytou’s intervention yesterday sparked various comments on the “X” platform, about his stance during the Crans Montana period and the fact that he did not express disagreement with Nicos Anastasiades’ handling then.
“You may have missed that after Crans Montana, he spoke about the coming tsunami and that by questioning political equality, we would face sovereign equality. As well as my statements at the first National Council after CM (Crans-Montana) where I stated that we should have signed the framework unilaterally, even with a seal,” he responded to a comment.
Responding to another comment about whether he knew what was happening in the talks, he wrote: “Of course, we didn’t know. After what happened or didn’t happen in the last presidential elections, are there still some who believe that the decisions were made jointly? We didn’t come into direct conflict with the government because the impact on the economy and the country would have been very severe. I didn’t (and don’t regret) put my political capital above what I considered right for my country”.
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