A thriller at the Democratic Alarm, with the day holding many surprises and behind-the-scenes maneuvering taking place behind the closed doors of the 5th floor of the Pindarou building. The morning gave absolutely no indication of what was to follow. Ultimately, a 2.5-hour meeting led to a complete shift in the political landscape within DISY against the backdrop of the presidential election.
Anita Dimitriou, despite her initial announcement, withdrew her candidacy, making way for Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamboridis.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“As party chair, I have reached my own decision not to run for the nomination; I have already informed my fellow candidates.”
READ ALSO: “Together We Move Forward”: Here Is Averof’s First Statement Following Annita’s Withdrawal
Within a few hours
Anita Dimitriou had been giving the matter serious thought since last week, though no one expected her to announce her decision today. This morning, the party’s executive committee convened for its regular meeting, as it does every Thursday. There, the DISY President not only refrained from revealing her intentions, but she also told the leadership that she would request a meeting with the other two candidates later that day, in response to Giorgos Pamboridis’s request for a joint meeting. After the meeting, she first called Averof Neophytou, who arrived with an entourage…
Reports indicate that the two men had been in very close contact recently. At 3:04 p.m., Giorgos Pamporidis, who had been in a session at the House of Representatives, arrived at Pindarou Street. On the 5th floor, in the president’s office, he met with Annita Dimitriou, Averof Neophytou, and Frixos Koulermos. The atmosphere wasn’t exactly warm, but that’s where the seeds were sown for what was to follow. The publisher of the newspaper “ALITHEIA,” which is sympathetic to the party and had been advocating for unity for days, left at 3:25 p.m.
READ ALSO: “My own decision, without any pressure”: Annita explains why she ultimately won’t seek the DISY nomination for the presidential election
The three were then left alone, with sources reporting that the party president set certain conditions to ensure unity if Neophytou and Pamboridis remained. They agreed on a joint statement, which they amended twice, and at around 4:55 a.m., they all went down to the ground floor together. Only Anita Dimitriou spoke, while the other two reserved their comments.
“I’ve been talking with our people over the last few days. I sense and understand their anxiety about the risk of DISY splitting. I believe it is my responsibility as president not to let that happen.”
READ ALSO: Anita Out of the “Race”: Averof and Pamporidis Are the Rivals in DISY’s Internal Party Primaries for the Presidential Nomination
Why did she withdraw?
Anita Dimitriou cites the need for unity in the run-up to the presidential election as the main reason for her withdrawal, denying that she was pressured by Averof Neophytou.
“No pressure. We’re all here for exactly the same purpose.”
However, Alpha reports that he received numerous warnings, and even pressure, regarding the responsibility he is taking on for leading the party toward a split and defeat.
READ ALSO: Attempts at reconciliation within DISY: Critical meetings between Annita, Averof, and Pamporidis regarding the presidential “nomination”
The DISY President announced her decision to withdraw selectively to her very close associates about an hour before the afternoon meeting. Regarding her announcement on September 28, she stated that she had not taken all the facts into account.
See the report by Evangelos Agapios:
