Internal tensions within DISY have once again come to the fore, testing the party leadership’s efforts to project unity as it navigates disagreements over its relationship with President Nikos Christodoulides and looks ahead to future electoral contests.
On Thursday evening, Efthymios Diplaros and Yiannis Karousos appeared alongside party leader Annita Demetriou and other senior officials at DISY’s district gathering in Limassol. The appearance was intended to convey unity, but it came just hours after a series of public exchanges exposed divisions within the party leadership.
Demetriou had reportedly asked Diplaros and Karousos to avoid further public statements ahead of a leadership meeting aimed at easing tensions. Nevertheless, the two later exchanged pointed remarks through social media posts.
The latest episode has renewed discussion within DISY over the party leadership’s ability to manage internal disagreements and maintain a coherent political strategy.
Christodoulides, Tornaritis and tensions with Pindarou
Another source of friction has been President Nikos Christodoulides’ appointment of former senior DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis as his special representative on the Cyprus issue for Asia and Africa.
The appointment prompted debate within the party, particularly given Tornaritis’ longstanding relationship with DISY and his previous position as one of Demetriou’s close associates.
Demetriou subsequently criticised what she described as “spasmodic” moves and appointments, while Christodoulides defended Tornaritis’ experience and rejected suggestions that the appointment served electoral purposes.
The episode once again highlighted DISY’s complicated relationship with the Christodoulides administration, an issue that has remained unresolved since the 2023 presidential election.
Diplaros and Karousos clash
Relations between Diplaros and Karousos have reportedly been strained for some time, with their disagreements partly centred on DISY’s stance towards Christodoulides.
Diplaros is viewed as maintaining a more open line of communication with the Government, while Karousos has adopted a more confrontational stance towards the administration.
Their rivalry also comes as attention increasingly turns towards DISY’s future leadership. Party leadership elections are due after the 2028 presidential election, creating another layer of competition within the party.
Despite being asked to lower the tone, Diplaros and Karousos exchanged indirect criticism online on Thursday before appearing together later that evening at the Limassol gathering.
Averof factor remains in the background
Former DISY president Averof Neophytou also remains an important factor in the party’s internal landscape.
Neophytou recently met Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, officially to discuss the Cyprus issue, while questions continue over his intentions regarding the 2028 presidential election.
He has said he expects to make his decision in December. Meanwhile, speculation over whether he could pursue an independent presidential candidacy continues to add pressure to DISY’s internal discussions.
The underlying contest involving Demetriou, Neophytou and the party’s future direction is therefore likely to remain a significant challenge for DISY as it attempts to maintain unity ahead of the presidential election.
Source: Phileleutheros
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