Former Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has praised Annita Demetriou’s leadership abilities but cautioned DISY against rushing decisions over a potential presidential candidacy.
Speaking on the “Sto Koureion” podcast, Anastasiades reflected extensively on internal divisions within DISY during the referendum period and the approach he took towards members who had left the party.
He said he chose to bring those members back rather than confront them, arguing that the approach contributed to DISY subsequently emerging as the leading party in the European elections.
“What matters is that the party’s moves are carefully considered, as well as the circumstances under which the split occurred. The unity of the party depends on the actions of its leadership,” he said.
Anastasiades praises Demetriou’s leadership
Asked whether Demetriou is ready to govern the country, Anastasiades said she has “tremendous abilities” and has demonstrated leadership qualities.
“She may be young and may not have the experience that comes from a long presence. It is up to the collective bodies to decide,” he said.
Demetriou is currently President of the House of Representatives and President of DISY.
Anastasiades advised those interested in the presidency to focus on preserving unity within the party and not to rush the process surrounding an Annita Demetriou presidential candidacy.
“My advice to everyone who is interested is to look at how they can safeguard the unity of the party. They should not rush,” he said.
DISY ‘cannot elect a president on its own’
The former president argued that DISY should not be the first party to nominate a presidential candidate a year and a half before the election without first examining the conditions and prospects for success.
“DISY cannot elect a president on its own,” he said.
Anastasiades said the party should first decide whether it intends to contest the election with its own candidate, provided circumstances allow, and then examine which other political force could offer prospects for cooperation.
He also said DISY should assess developments within the opposition before making its decisions.
Asked whether former DISY leader Averof Neophytou could win, Anastasiades said he had abilities but drew a distinction between political ability and electoral prospects.
“It is not enough to be capable. What matters is being electable,” he said.
Anastasiades distances himself from DISY decisions
Asked about possible cooperation with the government of President Nikos Christodoulides, Anastasiades said he was now removed from the party and did not want to make comments that could be misinterpreted.
He also referred to a recent verbal mistake in which he described DISY as the “governing party” when he had intended to call it a “party of government”.
“Did I not know? Would I have said governing party? Attempts at distortion…” he said.
Anastasiades added that he would offer advice to Demetriou if she asked for it, but did not want to intervene simply for the sake of public discussion.
“If I am asked, I will give advice to the president. If I am asked simply so there can be a discussion, I would rather there be no discussion at all. If it is not listened to… another mentality prevails, new politicians, new ideas…” he said.
The comments come as Demetriou continues to lead DISY, a position she has held since March 2023.
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