The Democratic Party is clear and “well-organized” regarding the upcoming presidential election, according to the party’s Famagusta MP, Zacharias Koulias. Appearing as a guest on the Alpha Kalimera show, he said that the meeting of the DIKO Executive Bureau held the day before yesterday outlined the “path” the party will follow in the coming period, following its victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections “after a difficult battle.”
“I believe that DIKO is the cohesive force of the center, and given the difficulties the center is facing, as the leading force, it has a duty to rally the center. Our decision in the Executive Committee is that a government program will be prepared for the Presidential Elections. I say that the side that implements a functional and sound electoral and political program that addresses the difficulties faced by the many will win.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The end of political parties
When asked about DIKO’s participation in the government, Mr. Koulias explained that the party’s agreement with Nicos Christodoulides pertains to the current five-year term and not the next one, explaining that the planned policy agenda will address the issues at hand “for the masses.”
“Nikos Christodoulides identifies as a member of Synergatikos; we do not. Under the circumstances at the time, that was the choice.”
Zacharias Koulias did not rule out the possibility of DIKO fielding its own candidate in the elections, noting that the matter is open to discussion.
“Nikolas Papadopoulos is now a seasoned politician and can run for the presidency on equal terms. Now is the time for DIKO to play a leading role in the elections.”
At the same time, Mr. Koulias called on DISY to cooperate, citing the advantage of the center over the right in relation to the left.
“I believe that DISY has run its course. It has served three terms in government and two in Parliament. There are other parties with more flexible platforms for the people.”
DISY Parliamentary Spokesperson Dimitris Dimitriou spoke of a lack of policy debate grounded in substantive positions and emphasized the need for a platform on which someone can claim to govern the country.
“As long as the debate revolves around and is limited to individual figures, this is not a rational approach. Much has been done that is hurtful and damaging. We must regroup from there and, moving forward, present our positions on what we will do in 2028 when we win the presidential election. To get there, we need to clarify a few things. Mr. Koulias included us in the country’s governance. We are in the opposition.”
Mr. Dimitriou expressed frustration that political discussions are limited to dwelling on the past rather than focusing on what will happen in the future, with the clear risk that existing problems will persist or new ones will arise.
