In order to make things easier for his party, Nikos Anastasiadis issued a brief statement announcing that he is stepping down from DISY’s collective bodies until the matter involving the “Mafia State.”

“I contacted the President of the Democratic Rally today, Ms. Anita Dimitriou, to whom I expressed my intention to abstain from meetings of the party’s collective bodies until the truth comes to light regarding the allegations against me. “I will not allow anyone to believe that they can harm the party, of which I was a co-founder and which I have served with dedication for the past 50 years.”

SEE ALSO: From the Code of Ethics to the “Mafia State”: What’s Making It Difficult for the Current and Former Presidents of the Republic to Accept the Findings

This followed an appeal by the party’s Parliamentary Representative, Dimitris Dimitriou, to Nicos Anastasiades. 

“It would be appropriate for the President to accommodate us and voluntarily recuse himself from these proceedings.”

According to Alpha, other high-ranking party officials have also been in contact with the former President since the weekend to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent harm to the party. 

READ ALSO: “Until the truth comes to light”: Anastasiades spoke with Annita and will abstain from DISY meetings

The “war” rages on

AKEL insists that it remains unconvinced following yesterday’s press conference by the former president.   

“Even if he is acquitted of all criminal charges, he remains politically and institutionally compromised and has served his office in a manner that violates institutional norms.”
_{^{Andreas Pasiourtides – AKEL Member of Parliament}}

DISY responds by speaking of spin and populism.

“You will never see us protesting outside the prosecutor’s office; we respect the institutions and will not let toxicity undermine the rule of law. Enough already with creating the impression and narrative that everyone mentioned has been convicted.”
_{^{Fotini Tsiridou – DISY Member of Parliament}}

READ ALSO: Highlights from Anastasiades’ press conference: Immunity, the “elephant,” and jet travel

“I disagree with Chrysis”

For DIKO, the call for the resignation of the Attorney General and his deputy—a position expressed by Chrysis Pantelidis—is not an official party stance.

Panikos Leonidou has a different opinion…

“You can’t do your job à la carte. I disagree with Chrysis. I disagree completely, but I love and respect him. If I were Nikos Anastasiadis, I would wait for all the state institutions—which I respect—to take a stance.”

READ ALSO: Criminal Investigators on the “Mafia State”: Who They Might Be, What Qualities They Must Possess

Deputy President Christiana Erotokritou is taking a similar line.  

See the report by Evangelos Agapios: