Averof Neophytou and George Pamporidis are in the midst of an election marathon, with the two taking completely different approaches to win over party members ahead of the internal party elections. George Pamporidis kicked off his campaign this morning with a press conference. On the other hand, Averof Neophytou, following his appearance at Pindarou the day before yesterday, made a statement announcing that he is declining phone calls regarding public statements and is focusing exclusively on his dialogue with the DISY base.
“I want to devote my time to them and not to public debates that lead to confrontations which, rather than strengthening the party’s unity, undermine it.”
Averof Neophytou
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The “hotheads”
Giorgos Pamboridis’s remarks were particularly sharp, as he spoke openly about his rivalry with Averof Neophytou in the 2023 presidential race. That’s why he didn’t support him. His response was scathing when asked about his opponent’s position on lifting energy sanctions against Russia.
“Show a little understanding—during elections, we often say a lot of nonsense. Show a little understanding; I don’t think Mr. Neophytou means it that way. At least, I hope not.”
George Pamporidis
It should be noted that both have pledged that whoever loses in the party primaries will stand by the other.
“I Can Win”
George Pamborides also gave an assurance that if he is the DISY candidate, there is absolutely no way the party will fail to advance to the second round. And not only that…
“There’s no way DISY won’t make it to the second round and win the election if I’m the candidate. I sincerely believe this, even though it sounds arrogant.”
Giorgos Pamporidis
George Pamporidis believes he holds the magic wand to keep DISY united in the election. He calls on the leadership and the general public to break down the wall of introversion, to stop thinking conservatively, and to move away from backroom deals and behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
The Political Platform
Under the slogan “Let’s Talk About the Essence,” Giorgos Pamporidis laid out his political direction.
His umbrella is a radical center-right movement. One of his key initiatives is a revision of the Cypriot constitution to pave the way for substantial modernization reforms. At the heart of his policies are affordable housing, an end to abuses in the healthcare system, combating high prices, and focusing on resolving the Cyprus issue based on the UN resolutions—but with a clear articulation of intentions.
Putting the brakes on statements
Amid the uproar following Haris Georgiadis’s remarks, the DISY Executive Bureau decided that party officials will not participate in television panels nor post about internal party issues until the November 28 elections.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
