The Democratic Party is gearing up for the elections, with last week’s executive committee meeting carrying a strong air of presidential campaigning and party officials considering three scenarios. Supporting Nikos Christodoulides, fielding an independent candidate in the form of Nikolas Papadopoulos, or backing another candidate based on specific criteria.
Party officials believe that Nikola’s candidacy is gaining traction, while reiterating that nothing binds them to Nikos Christodoulides regarding a renewal of his mandate.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Campaigning on shifting sand
“We have an agreement with the government for the current five-year term, not for the next one. We are, after all, part of DISY and part of DIKO. Nicholas Papadopoulos is a seasoned politician; he has the potential and the abilities to run for president.”
Zacharias Koulias – DIKO Member of Parliament
“All DIKO voters consider the party president capable of even holding the presidency of the Republic.”
George Solomou – Secretary-General of DIKO
If they do support Nikolas, however, it will be a repeat of the 2018 scenario, with their intentions unknown in the event he fails to advance to the second round. In any case, Zacharias Koulias is drawing his lines and, to put it bluntly, is ruling out cooperation with DISY ahead of the presidential election.
“DIKO has potential both in the center and on the left. DISY has run its course—it has served three terms in the presidency and two in parliament; there are other forces closer to the people with different plans.”
Zacharias Koulias – DIKO Member of Parliament
At the party’s executive committee meeting, there were calls to support Christodoulides, mainly from officials serving in the government.
“A Decision for Victory”
DISY is preparing for its internal party elections even as the storm surrounding Annita’s withdrawal has yet to subside. In a statement, the party is flying the flag of unity and sending a message for 2028.
DISY
“President Annita Dimitriou’s decision is one of responsibility and victory for our party. We are working toward a strong and united Democratic Rally, with its own candidate and a credible governance proposal, for victory in 2028.”
The Contenders
For now, the race is between two names, though others continue to dominate the public discourse. Sources close to Haris Georgiadis tell Alpha that he is hesitant and keeping his cards close to his chest, while denying that Nikos Anastasiadis urged him to enter the race, as has been rumored. Loukas Fourlas cuts short the discussion surrounding him.
“I have received advice from party officials as well as ordinary members of our party. I am deeply honored by this trust. I state clearly that I have never been interested in running for any high office.”
Loukas Fourlas
According to reports, it appears that Ionas Nikolaou will not be seeking the nomination after all.
On the ALPHA News program, economist Tasos Giassemidis neither confirms nor denies that he was approached by AKEL regarding the presidential race, nor did he deny that an initial informal conversation had taken place.
“There’s nothing to it. As my grandfather used to say, ‘Everything in its own time.’”
Tassos Yiasemidis – Economist
AKEL has at least three potential candidates under consideration but has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
