How the presidential race and the contest for the nomination are intensifying tensions within the party

On the 50th anniversary of the Democratic Alarm, Anita Dimitriou stated during her speech, “Tonight we are not closing one chapter; we are opening the next.” This remark was rather ambiguous, as it was interpreted by many—both within and outside Pindar—as a harbinger of a new cycle of introversion that will continue to plague the party.

More than a year and a half before the presidential elections, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, personal strategies, tactical maneuvers, moves, and statements point to a party that is not united, but rather rife with factions and sycophants. A political faction that, as the selection of its presidential candidate draws nearer, will increasingly resemble a minefield.

Haris Georgiadis’s warning on “25 Minutes” that the candidate selection process must not undermine the faction’s unity seems, so far, to have fallen on deaf ears.

The jabs and the text message

Before the gossip in the corridors about Giorgos Pamporidis’s interest in the DISY presidential nomination had a chance to die down, the MP reignited the controversy with a post on X last Tuesday. His references to “those who gather advisors and staff around them, eyeing ministerial posts” and to “those who set up election campaign headquarters and entertain party officials all day long,” were clearly aimed at both Annita Dimitriou and Averof Neophytou.

However, Giorgos Pamporidis did not limit himself to mobilizing ahead of the presidential election. His accusation last week on the ANT1 podcast regarding pre-election phone calls from high-ranking officials urging party members not to vote for him had long been known to the leadership of Pindarou.

This is because, during the election campaign, Giorgos Pamporidis had reported similar incidents in a message sent to the WhatsApp group that the party’s communications team maintained with the candidates. In his message, which is in the possession of “Alpha tis Kyriakis,” Mr. Pamporidis stated: “It has come to my attention that certain ‘well-meaning individuals’ are engaging in a systematic effort to persuade members and voters not to vote for specific candidates. As far as I am concerned, I reserve the right to act in accordance with the law and the party’s bylaws.”

Referring to unethical behavior that harms the party, the then-candidate for parliament even argued that criminal offenses might be involved.

A New Chapter After the Accusations

Of course, before the chapter on Giorgos Pamboridis’s allegations could be closed, a new one opened with Nikos Tornaritis’s latest statements. After distancing himself from DISY’s stance on the bill regarding the Deputy Ministry of European Affairs, Nikos Tornaritis struck again.

This time, speaking to Reporter, the party’s former Parliamentary Spokesperson made it clear that, with the presidential election approaching, no one can be ruled out as a potential DISY candidate— not even Nikos Christodoulides. “I hope that no one will choose to act once again contrary to the history and principles of the Democratic Rally by supporting an AKEL candidate,” he added, referring to Averof Neophytou’s inner circle and other party officials—some of whom publicly supported Andreas Mavroyiannis in the second round of 2023, while others did not.

Tornaritis’s statement, beyond causing displeasure, caused quite a stir in Pindarou. Given the rift in his relationship with Averof, party officials had expected him to openly support a candidacy by Annita Dimitriou, despite the strained nature of their relationship in recent years.

Tornaritis’s ties to the President are considered extremely close, something he has never hidden. Moreover, there have been numerous occasions when, through his public statements, he has indirectly supported DISY’s participation in the government, at times intensifying the grumbling and suspicion directed at him, even regarding the stance he took during the first round of the 2023 presidential election.

Providing insights

The unfolding situation at Pindarou, as expected, is fueling whispers in party circles about the moves of each contender for the presidential nomination ahead of ’28.

Last Thursday’s meeting of the Political Bureau, attended by more than 80 party officials, took place in a positive atmosphere. A briefing on developments regarding the Cyprus issue was followed by a review of the parliamentary election results.

Taking the floor, George Pamporidis emphasized the need for more regular meetings of the collective bodies, while also bringing to the attention of those present the very issues he had publicly denounced. He stated that certain officials had opposed his candidacy through practices which, as he noted, do not reflect the values of the Democratic Alarm. Noting that he does not wish to foster internal strife, he offered to provide Anita Dimitriou with the evidence he has at his disposal. The party president made it clear that if such a thing is true, then it is absolutely reprehensible.

She is expanding her circle

Speaking before the Political Bureau, Anita Dimitriou stated that the presidential elections are not on the agenda for the current term. A claim that is contradicted by the facts themselves.

The flurry of appointments of officials—some of whom ran as candidates in the parliamentary elections, others to advisory positions, others as members of the shadow cabinet, and still others in the Expanded Political Bureau, is part of Annita Dimitriou’s effort to expand her circle of associates.

The formation of a team—a blend of experienced executives, young people, and professionally and socially distinguished figures to surround her—is considered extremely important to her effort to cultivate the image of a candidate ready to lead the country.

These moves by Annita Dimitriou are at the same time a show of strength against those expected to oppose her in the party primary, but primarily against Nikos Christodoulides.

With the Cyprus issue as her banner

In the announcement of Guterres’s three-day visit to the island, Averof Neophytou reiterated via X that he stands alongside Nikos Christodoulides in this historic effort. This was, after all, the message he conveyed in his address to the Political Bureau, calling on the party to stand united with the President of the Republic.

Developments in the Cyprus issue, his knowledge, experience, and contacts with Turkish Cypriot and foreign circles are expected to form the cornerstones of his argument as he seeks the party’s nomination.

The hard part is yet to come

It remains unclear when Synagermikos members will be called upon to select their candidate for the presidential election. Despite calls from figures such as Yiannis Karousos for a decision by fall, the most likely scenario is that the process will take place during the first quarter of 2027.

Whether Giorgos Pamporidis will enter the intra-party race remains to be seen. While not questioning his political credentials, Democratic Alarm circles are wavering on whether he is “legitimately” qualified to seek the nomination, given that he was elected to his first term as a member of parliament just under two months ago.

The coming months are expected to be particularly difficult and decisive for the Democratic Alarm. This is because, in addition to the party’s cohesion, the leadership’s political ability to prevent internal strife from escalating into open conflict will also be put to the test.

As everyone acknowledges, such a scenario would be a nightmare for the party, as it would lead to a divided party at the polls, with the possibility of a repeat of the 2023 scenario. The party would suffer a heavy defeat, and its candidate would be eliminated before the second round. Such an outcome would mark the beginning of new hardships for the party, with consequences that would be catastrophic this time around.