Internal DISY political tensions in Cyprus

Internal tensions have surfaced within the DISY party following criticisms from former president Averof Neophytou. Neophytou initially challenged current leader Annita Demetriou regarding the transparency of a recent internal party poll, suggesting the process was used to influence future leadership contests. He stated he was never informed of the poll’s intention, results, the selection of the polling company, or the questionnaire content.

Neophytou subsequently expanded his criticism to include the party’s stance on the Cyprus problem. He accused DISY and Akel of sidelining the issue to avoid political costs, specifically claiming the party is “burying” the Ghali set of ideas and holding the leadership responsible for the collapse of the Crans Montana talks. He also criticized President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Ersümer for a lack of substantive negotiations.

Demetriou has reportedly been “furious” by these remarks. While senior officials considered a rebuttal, the leadership opted against an immediate public confrontation to prevent internal division. Some party members have characterized Neophytou’s actions as “self-destructive,” amid speculation regarding his potential involvement in the 2028 presidential election.

In an effort to maintain communication, Demetriou and Neophytou met to discuss the party’s direction and the 2028 elections. Demetriou indicated DISY will present its own political proposal and has ruled out supporting Christodoulides. Conversely, Neophytou stated he would support Christodoulides only if a strategic framework for a Cyprus solution is achieved. Other party figures have called for members to restrain personal ambitions to preserve unity.