Anita Dimitriou has bought herself some time, but at the moment she is viewed by many as a president on a temporary basis who yields to political blackmail
Twenty-four hours after Averof Neophytou announced that he would be a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, Anita Dimitriou announced her own candidacy for the nomination. For some, this was the logical next step in her upward political trajectory. Not only because she is the leader of the largest party and quite popular according to polls, but also because she was politically strengthened following the unexpected outcome of the parliamentary elections. For others, of course, it was a spur-of-the-moment reaction by her and her inner circle to the moves made by the party’s former president. Partly due to the awkward announcement in front of the elevator at Pindarou Street in front of a handful of journalists, and the amateur photos on social media showing support from members and party officials that followed—all suggested that none of this had been planned. At least not within such a short period of time. And this was confirmed after she abruptly withdrew her candidacy a few days later. This move was presented as a courageous act aimed at preserving party unity. But was that really the case? Because in reality, it opened another major chapter. Namely, what the future holds for Annita Dimitriou on the political scene following the events that unfolded during these difficult days for DISY.
The Narrative of Unity
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
DIKO: What’s next after Anita?
DISY: A party with one ballot and two candidates
Although she herself made sure to convey that the withdrawal of her candidacy was her own exclusive decision, both people close to her and other party officials leaked that it was the result of blatant political blackmail. This was especially true given that Averof Neophytou did not deny it when asked by journalists whether he might run outside the party’s procedures. One faction wanted Anita Dimitriou to back down in the face of the possibility of a three-way split in the party. The other faction wanted her to have read the latest polls, which showed that such a candidacy would not be a walk in the park, as it had been in the past. She risked not only being eliminated in the first round but also losing the party presidency. However one interprets it, the fact that unity was achieved through the party leader’s withdrawal certainly does not convince anyone. On the contrary, it raises more questions about her political clout, her political future, and what lies ahead for DISY.
The Time Factor
Following this reversal, however, Anita Dimitriou is currently buying herself some time. She has put the brakes on the criticism that was beginning to mount and the damage that was inevitably taking its toll on her image. First, regarding the handling of the presidential election—with leaked poll results and the formation of pro-Anita —by members of the executive office—which led to Averof Neophytou’s furious reaction and his allegations of a rigged deck. This was followed by intense speculation that she wants it all for herself—both the Speakership of the House and the Presidency of the Republic—which ruled out potential alliances and political give-and-take. Above all, however, the allegations of collusion, especially when considering the context of the fish tavern and what was discussed there.
His primary goal, therefore, is to retain the party presidency without facing any challenges regarding recent events. The possibility of being challenged in the middle of the election campaign is out of the question, and she knows this well. The question is which scenario would be most advantageous for Anita Dimitriou in order to avoid a challenge after the election. It has already been made clear that the party leadership will not take a position in favor of one candidate or another. However, considering what happened with Averof Neophytou, it is almost certain that her relationship with him has been severed. It is by no means a coincidence that officials and figures in her inner circle—such as Michalis Ioannidis, head of the shadow cabinet—have made a point of standing by GiorgosPamporidis from that very day. The two, Anita Dimitriou and Giorgos Pamporidis, are in frequent contact, and Pamporidis’s full support —who has expressed his admiration and respect—for Anita Dimitriou. Should she receive the nomination, Anita Dimitriou will bring the Averof Neophytou chapter to a successful close, while even if Mr. Pamporidis is elected, she herself will be considered a winner for the decision she made. What she must certainly take into account, of course, is Mr. Pamporidis’s young age, which could potentially upend any aspirations and plans she has for 2033. In the event that Averof Neophytou receives the nomination, advances to the second round, and is elected, then it will be difficult for anyone to challenge the President who led the party to victory. As in the case of Mr. Pamboridis, she will be credited for her decision to step aside.
The Christodoulides Scenario
Things certainly become more complicated in the event of a defeat or even the failure of the Synergatikos candidate to advance to the second round. One school of thought argues that her own responsibility should be minimized, given that she was not a candidate herself. However, it is the party leader who inevitably bears responsibility for the handling of the campaign and for the outcome. Here, it will also depend on what stance the party takes regarding the candidates who advance to the second round. What is being conveyed, however, by all circles within Pindarou, is that the “overreach” of 2023 caused damage not only to specific individuals who followed that line but also to the party itself. It is therefore very likely that the party will align with Nikos Christodoulides, whom they had been considering as an alternative in the event of a poor result following the parliamentary elections. It is no coincidence that many party officials view such a move positively, such as, for example, Nikos Tornaritis, Ionas Nikolaou, as well as figures active within DISY who are currently keeping a low profile. This secures Anita Dimitriou’s position as DISY president, gives power to Synagermika officials who are now dissatisfied with being outside the government, power, and allows her to organize her next political moves. This seems to be what Nicos Anastasiades is thinking as well (see the related report by Evangelos Agapios) if she heeds the advice he first gave her—rewarding her withdrawal and then emphasizing that she has time.
A President on a Tight Schedule
However, in such a scenario, there are many factors that must be taken into account. There are quite a few who will react not only to the outcome but also to the handling of the pre-election campaign. Already, Euthymios Diplaros—who is dissatisfied with the candidates—appears to be interested in the presidency, Yiannis Karousos, who stated that he learned of the withdrawal from the media, and, of course, the third-place finisher, Dimitris Dimitriou. The question is whether Giorgos Pamporidis, who had his sights set on the position, will now be ready to challenge Annita Dimitriou. In the event of a poor result, they will inevitably have a reason to do so. The back-and-forth over the nomination—and even the possibility that she succumbed to political blackmail—has sparked behind-the-scenes debate about her competence as party leader. In other words, if she yields so easily to blackmail or makes an undignified retreat in the face of difficult negotiations, then she cannot handle more challenging situations. It should not be overlooked that several party officials were upset when they learned of her decision either on television or over the phone. The first issue they raise is the overall handling of the pre-election campaign. Some blame her for the leak of the polls, others for the confusion caused by secret agreements, and still others for her abrupt retreat within a few days. Some point out that the fact she agreed to be blackmailed in the face of the possibility that Averof Neophytou might be ousted outside of due process makes her a president on borrowed time. A presidency that appeared to crumble at the first sign of crisis. However, there are also circles that are particularly annoyed by the fact that her own actions led the party to end up with these two specific candidates. It is by no means a coincidence that the name of Haris Georgiadis—who has built a good relationship with DIKO—was put on the table as an option. However, this option is no longer viable due to the time that has been lost and the way the political landscape has now evolved.
