The challenge of maintaining unity within DISY is a difficult one to overcome in the run-up to the presidential election. On the one hand, there are differing interpretations and stances regarding Tornaritis’s appointment, and on the other, the internal division among party officials with their sights set on 2028, indicate that the party is on the verge of a new period of introspection.
“Who would dare tell me that I’m going to cut ties with DISY? Let anyone who has the guts to say that tell me to my face. Since when did we make DISY a closed club?”
Nikos Tornaritis – Former DISY Parliamentary Spokesperson
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
READ ALSO: Christodoulides’ first reaction to Tornaritis: “It serves absolutely no pre-election purpose”
The appointment was made based on his qualifications and not on any other motives, Nikos Christodoulides states.
“It serves absolutely no pre-election purpose. Mr. Tornaritis has a wealth of experience that I believe no one disputes.”
Suspicion Among the Leadership
Yiannis Karousos’s strong stance on the appointment has caused unease among the top brass at Pindarou, who maintain that such statements undermine unity within DISY.
“Certain officials should not accept such proposals, or at the very least should seek DISY’s approval. It is unacceptable for just anyone to be a party official and for the presidency to be kept in the dark about what DISY, which is in the opposition, is doing.”
Yiannis Karousos – DISY Vice President
Nikos Tornaritis, however, does not have the blessing of Annita Dimitriou, although outwardly the impression is deliberately given that they are not particularly concerned.
“The last thing we should be concerned with right now is getting bogged down in petty politics, erratic moves, and appointments.”
Anita Dimitriou – President of DISY
READ ALSO: “Petty politics, erratic moves, and appointments”: Annita’s barbs at Christodoulides against the backdrop of Tornaritis and the Cyprus issue
According to reports, the party president told her close associates that she expected nothing different from her former close associate, knowing of his “flirtation” with the opposition.
“Ms. Dimitriou wished me well.”
Nikos Tornaritis – Former DISY Parliamentary Spokesperson
Averof Neophytou also commented on Nikos Tornaritis’s stance.
“The players on the political chessboard give us the opportunity to dwell on these trivialities and petty matters.”
A Colorful Spat… Presidential Style
Tensions on Pindarou Street are reaching a fever pitch in the new Karousos-Diplaros showdown. The conflict began when Yiannis Karousos accused him of being a sellout because, as he claimed, he attended a pre-election party for Nikos Christodoulidis. It was a party hosted by a relative of his in Platres, to which the President of the Republic was also invited. Sources close to the Vice President recall that in 2023, Yiannis Karousos provided AKEL with the DISY membership roster to support Andreas Mavroyiannis in the second round.
READ ALSO: Diplaros on a dispute with Karousos: “I won’t let anyone distort my political trajectory with insinuations”
Efthymios Diplaros: “My positions are clear. I will not allow anyone to distort them or to question my political career with insinuations and personal attacks. The year 2028 will not be decided by personal ambitions or behind-the-scenes conflicts.”
Yiannis Karousos: “No one can be at the Presidential Palace in the morning and at Pindarou Street in the evening.”
READ ALSO: Karousos Responds to Diplaros: “Collective decisions cannot be applied à la carte”
In an effort to prevent further rifts within the party, Anita Dimitriou has called a meeting of party officials for next Monday.
Read Evangelos Agapios’s report:
