DISY President Annita Demetriou has strongly condemned the recent actions of MEP Fidias Panayiotou, calling the incident involving the so-called ‘president’ of the pseudostate both “unacceptable and deplorable.” Her remarks came during a keynote speech marking the 49th anniversary of the party’s founding.
Addressing party members, Demetriou urged unity and responsibility as Cyprus heads into a critical election period. Citing the Fidias incident as unacceptable, she warned that populism and political recklessness are damaging the country’s image and stability.
Demetriou also criticised what she called “a populist alliance cutting across party lines” and condemned “criminal frivolity” in the handling of serious national issues. Referencing both the Fidias controversy and a recent controversial resolution submitted by ELAM in the European Parliament, she warned of the danger posed by personal political agendas that undermine institutions.
Highlighting concerns about rising toxicity and polarisation, she appealed to all political forces to prioritise accountability, transparency, and democratic values. “We defend our western orientation and our hard-earned alliances,” she said. “This is how we protect Cyprus against revisionism and safeguard our national and cultural identity.”
Demetriou reaffirmed DISY’s commitment to reforms and offered support through Parliament to advance solutions on domestic governance. She also called for measured and inclusive policymaking to address inflation, insecurity, and economic pressure.
Her remarks reflected a broader strategy to strengthen party unity, defend Cyprus’s interests on the international stage, and push back against growing populism.
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