Another potential candidate received the signature and nomination form from the Democratic Alarm. He is Ionas Nikolaou, a former Minister of Justice, former member of parliament, and party official.
The information was reported by the newspaper Fileleftheros, and Alpha contacted him; he confirmed both his interest and that he had received the relevant documents. He urged patience, however, as it appears he has not yet made his final decisions. He also clarified that he received the forms before yesterday’s developments within DISY—specifically, the meeting between Giorgos Pamboridis, Anita Dimitriou, and Averof Neophytou, and the resignation of the party president. He therefore does not link any such developments to his own interests.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
They weren’t alone—a party official was present at the meeting
Regarding yesterday’s meeting on the 5th floor of the Pindarou building, following which Anita Dimitriou’s withdrawal from the race was announced, Alpha has learned that, in addition to Frixos Koulermos, Anita Dimitriou, Averof Neophytou, and George Pamporidis, close associates of the chairwoman were also present in her office, coming and going during the meeting. Also present was a party official who is not a member of the leadership and is a personal friend of Anita Dimitriou, who appears to maintain lines of communication with Averof Neophytou’s inner circle as well. This individual left after Giorgos Pamboridis arrived at Pindarou Street around 3:00 p.m.
According to reports, the same individual accompanied the party’s Executive Director and Press Secretary, Onoufrios Koullas, to a meeting he had earlier in the week with Averof Neophytou. This initiative was organized with the aim of bringing together all potential candidates within the party.
However, the meeting held yesterday between the party’s president, Averof Neophytou, and Frixos Koulermos, publisher of the ALETHEIA newspaper, prior to the arrival of Mr.Pamporidis, with the discussion focusing on scenarios regarding the electability of the contenders but, above all, of the president herself.
Anita Dimitriou’s thoughts and concerns about withdrawing her candidacy began last week and came to a head on Wednesday night. Although she herself cites the need for unity as the reason for her withdrawal, reports suggest that she was subjected to persuasion and even pressure over the possibility that her candidacy could lead the party to defeat and further division due to her lack of electability, as some put it. This atmosphere, created by certain officials and members—mainly from the circle of the party’s former president—also prevailed during part of yesterday’s meeting at the party’s offices.
