Averof Neophytou and George Pamporidis are entering the fray, vying for the votes of the 49,000 members of the Democratic Rally for the presidential election.
Averof’s “Celebration”
After the spectacular scene he staged last Thursday by unloading 3,000 signatures from boxes, Averof Neophytou sought to create another celebratory atmosphere.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
We roughly counted around 150 people. Averof Neophytou had announced it in advance.
While there were only a few prominent officials in attendance, dozens of members showed up.
“Did you come for Mr. Neophytou? Undoubtedly, yes.”
“I knew him when he was Minister of Transportation. What a man and what a politician.”
“We came on our own to show our support for Mr. Averoff.”
The potential presidential candidate arrived at Pindarou to the sound of applause at 11:30 a.m., arm in arm with his wife, Maria.
“I come here today with a sense of responsibility and emotion to my own home, my large family, DISY. On this great occasion, our members are voting for the first time for the party’s candidate and the next President of the Republic.”
Averof Neophytou
His remarks served as a prelude to his campaign platform centered on the three pillars of accuracy, the economy, and the Cyprus issue, while he spoke emotionally about those who had supported him and whom he had supported within the party.
“I made you a promise, and it is a pledge of honor. I will never let you down.”
Averof Neophytou
The submission process was purely a formality, with his chief of staff arriving at Pindarou Street half an hour early to pay the 500-euro filing fee.
In a calm tone
At 12:15 p.m., Giorgos Pamporidis arrived at the DISY offices
George Pamporidis deliberately chose to keep a low profile when submitting his candidacy. At his side was his wife, Galatea.
He did not invite party officials or members who had signed his nomination on the list of 500 to attend. Accompanied by his wife, he walked into the submission hall, signed the relevant forms, and paid the filing fee by check. He limited himself to a brief statement, sending a message of strength to the members of the blue party.
“Forty-five years ago, in 1981, I walked through the gates of DISY for the first time. I am particularly moved today as I submitted my candidacy for the party nomination and the 2028 presidential election.”
George Pamporidis
The Commitment
The essence of today’s process is reflected in the promise made by the candidates.
Both candidates agreed that the outcome of the party primaries will be respected, which means that the loser will stand by the winner’s side.
“I want to say here, in front of this historic building of Glafkos Clerides’s political faction, that on November 29, we must all stand united behind the person you choose as our candidate and the next president of the republic. A united party.”
Averof Neophytou
A promise that his opponent had been urging him to make for days.
“I welcome Mr. Neophytou’s statement regarding the day after the election. I endorse it, and I am certain that DISY will emerge from this process stronger.”
George Pamporidis
The party has already established an electoral committee to oversee all procedural matters related to the November 28 election.
“Whoever wins on November 29 will find us united in our quest for victory in the 2028 presidential election.”
Xenia Konstantinou – Deputy Press Secretary, DISY
Anita Dimitriou was in her office at the Parliament this morning, where she had scheduled meetings.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
