Giorgos Pamporidis, a member of the Democratic Alarm party, launched a scathing attack on the party’s leadership, citing interference by external actors in the internal party procedures for selecting a candidatefor the presidency and the image currently presented by Pindarou, following Averof Neophytou’s announcement of his candidacy.
Appearing on Alpha News, he rejected speculation about behind-the-scenes deals with anyone interested in the presidential “nomination,” making it clear that his political decisions are not up for negotiation. “Politics is not a bargain,” he stated emphatically, adding that “I have not issued any promissory notes regarding my political positions, nor do I allow anyone to dictate my policies or decisions to me.”
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Some say one thing about Annita, others about Averof
When asked to comment on rumors that if he decides to run as a candidate, he could work to Anita Dimitriou’s advantage, thereby taking votes away from Averof Neophytou, he replied that he has also heard the exact opposite version—that he is allegedly coordinating with Averof Neophytou with the aim of blocking Anita Dimitriou.
“That’s not how I do politics,” he emphasized, making it clear that he is accountable only to his conscience and his voters. “I am not beholden to anyone,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Clouds of internal strife are gathering in Pindarou: Anita joins the race, causing unease for Averof
Should we also criminalize eating a meal with someone?
When asked about the lunch he had with Averof Neophytou and the discussions that took place, Mr. Pamporidis responded with a clear intention to dispel the related rumors: “Should we criminalize having a meal with someone, too?”
As he explained, he has no intention of making confidential discussions public, as doing so would violate confidentiality. At the same time, he rejected the notion of political agreements based on quid pro quo. “I go to socialize, not to strike deals,” he said pointedly.
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Who are these non-institutional figures?
Giorgos Pamporidis was particularly scathing regarding the role of non-institutional figures in DISY’s developments. “I am deeply troubled by the involvement of non-institutional figures,” he stated, while posing the question: “Who are these non-institutional figures? We have a democracy here.”
Mr. Pamboridis argued that anyone who leads or wishes to lead the Democratic Alarm must be a model of morality and integrity; and when asked to clarify whom he was referring to, he replied, “Everyone.”
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The situation in DISY is an “operetta”
As for the overall picture at DISY, George Pamporidis made no secret of his disappointment, describing the events of the past few days as an “operetta” and arguing that the situation does no one any credit. At the same time, he attributed responsibility to everyone, noting that everyone bears a share of the blame, “some more than others.”
He also made special mention of the parliamentary election results, which, he said, should be viewed as a “credit of time” granted by the citizens to set things right. “All votes are on loan,” he said, emphasizing that they are not a given.
READ ALSO: “I Want to Lead”: Averof Neophytou Responds to DISY Procedures and to Chris Panayiotou
Why are the procedures being expedited?
The process of selecting a candidate for the presidential election was also at the center of his remarks. Mr. Pamborides expressed serious reservations about the timelines that have been set. As he noted, by October 13, he is required to secure a list of 500 party members supporting his candidacy—proportionally drawn from all districts—without having access to the membership database.
This, as he explained, creates practical challenges, as he is required to identify who meets the criteria and then, within just 30 days, present his comprehensive vision for Cyprus. “Why are these procedures being rushed and subject to such tight deadlines?” he asked. As he noted, he intends to convey his concerns to the Political Bureau.
READ ALSO: Chris vs. Averof: The dinner at the fish tavern, the “joking” agreement, the champagne and whiskey that shape political decisions
A Recipe for Disaster in the Presidential Election
George Pamporidis also criticized the process itself, warning that the current climate of confrontation and mutual accusations does not help the party. In fact, he described the process as a “recipe for disaster in the upcoming elections,” arguing that it risks further deepening the division. He recalled that since the summer he had proposed holding consultations among the parties concerned to determine who could lead DISY to the desired outcome.
As he noted, within the framework of such a consultation, he would not have objected even to stepping aside in favor of Annita Dimitriou, provided she convinced him that she could shoulder the burden of responsibility. The consultation, however, did not take place.
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He’s not revealing his hand just yet
Despite his clear statements, Giorgos Pamboridis has not announced his final decision on whether he will seek the DISY nomination. As he said, he will decide in the coming days, after evaluating the conditions that have been set as well as the time available. He made it clear, however, that if he does ultimately run, his decision will not depend on the number of candidates participating in the process.
Regarding the possibility of participating in the party’s internal process, failing to be elected, and then running as an independent in the presidential election, he said: “I assure you that I will not run as an independent candidate.”
READ ALSO: Averof on Alpha TV: “A fox can’t be caught in a trap—but they caught me off guard.”
