"To share his thoughts, concerns, worries, and visions," Averof Neophytou said as he opened the press conference he convened following the announcement of his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.
“I cannot remain politically absent,” Mr. Neophytou stated, referring to the Cyprus issue and geopolitical developments in our region.
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“I have been and remain opposed to the status quo of the occupation, the status quo of social inequality, with the country growing richer while its citizens grow poorer. These are the major challenges facing our country. I feel the anxiety of society, especially among young people, and I want to take the lead in rousing us from our lethargy.”
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He referred to rising fuel and housing costs and the prevailing economic hardship, even as the economy thrives. Analyzing his reasoning, he observes that the population is divided into three groups: one is doing very well, another is barely getting by, and the last is struggling to make ends meet.
He spoke about the ATA and the results of students’ performance. “If you want the country to move forward, you must be ready to make decisions,” he points out.
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When asked to comment on the Democratic Alarm’s decision to submit nominations on October 13 and whether he would participate in the process, he replied:
“For me, substance comes first, and procedures must follow their proper course. And you’re speaking to someone with experience and knowledge of these procedures: a political bureau must convene to ratify them; there are many procedural steps involved, but I am a politician, I speak in political terms about the substance, and when the time comes, we’ll take a position on the process as well.”
“I’m glad Mr. Panayiotou is confirming the dinner,” he replies when asked to comment on Chris Panayiotou’s response regarding the dinner at a seafood tavern mentioned by Mr. Neophytou.
“Beyond that, the announcement of my candidacy has nothing to do with any dinner; the political substance and my political announcement are not a matter of the menu or the food.”
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