What else does this openness toward the Cyprus issue entail, with rhetoric that calls for a “solution now,” and especially the emphasis on economic inequalities in society?
Averof Neophytou’s candidacy, aside from the turmoil within the Democratic Alarm party—which we won’t address here—essentially represents an opening toward the reformist Center and a nod to the Left.
For what else is this outreach toward the Cyprus issue, with rhetoric that points to a “solution now,” and especially the emphasis on economic inequalities in society? In other words, he is attempting to position himself as a candidate who will represent a spectrum ranging from the most centrist wing of DISY to the center-left of AKEL, with significant references to smaller centrist parties, such as ALMA and Direct Democracy, as well as to the extra-parliamentary parties VOLT, DIPA, and the Ecologists.
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And while Averof Neophytou’s positions on the Cyprus issue come as no surprise, his decision to highlight economic inequalities and the disconnect between positive fiscal data and the difficult daily realities faced by households could be part of the platform of a centrist candidate who would be supported by AKEL.
In particular, references to the ATA and the way it was paid out at 100 percent—without being extended to everyone and without a cap being set— appeal to the most radicalized voters and reinforce the perception of privileged classes of government and political officials. But where his positions truly align with those of AKEL is in his observations regarding housing, as well as the wages of young people.
Of course, as things progress, Averof Neophytou will also be called upon to address other issues concerning taxation and benefits, pensions and employer contributions, reforms and privatizations, as well as public sector wages and productivity.
He will also be asked to comment on measures to combat inflation, as well as on major energy infrastructure projects. However, given his statements to date opposing the Great Sea Interconnector, he appears to be closer to the concerns raised by AKEL than to the DISY leadership.
But even if he were to find common ground with the AKEL leadership—which traditionally looks to the right when it comes to presidential elections—any cooperation, for the time being, is rather unlikely.
However, as the 2023 elections demonstrated—when Averof endorsed Andreas Mavroyiannis in the second round— Averof Neophytou’s positions create common ground for cooperation—provided, of course, that one of the two candidates makes it to the second round of the election.
