Averof Neofytou declares 2028 presidential candidacy intent

Former DISY president Averof Neofytou has sparked political tension within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party by declaring his intention to run for the 2028 Presidential Elections. Neofytou stated that if progress on the Cyprus issue stalls, specifically following upcoming contacts in New York, he will pursue a candidacy.

The controversy stems from Neofytou’s failure to clarify whether he intends to run through official DISY internal party processes or as an independent candidate. This ambiguity has unsettled the current party leadership, which is currently working on strategic plans for the 2028 cycle.

DISY spokesperson Onofrios Koullas described any move outside of the party's internal procedures as ‘unthinkable’ and called on Neofytou to clarify his position. The party leadership, including President Annita Demetriou, has expressed a preference for a consensual selection process to avoid internal electoral battles.