**Title: Fidias Supporters Express Discontent Over House President Vote Process**
In a recent development within the Direct Democracy Cyprus party, two members have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the party's decision-making process leading up to the election of the House president. Ioannis Damianou and Nikos Loukas, who is better known by his social media alias 'Loukanikos' (The Sausage), expressed their concerns through a video posted on social media on Tuesday.
The crux of their complaint centers on the party's failure to utilize the Agora mobile application, which was designed to facilitate direct engagement with the party's fanbase. The app allows users to vote on internal candidates and policies, as well as to provide input on how they would like their parliamentary representatives to vote. Damianou and Loukas criticized the party leadership for not seeking feedback from followers before making a decision on whom to support for the House presidency.
In their video, the two party members emphasized the importance of incorporating public opinion into the decision-making process, stating, “some way should have been found to take the public’s opinion into consideration.” They clarified that their grievances were not specifically about the party's endorsement of Annita Demetriou from the Democratic Rally (Disy) for the House president position, but rather about the perceived exclusion of the party's supporters from the decision-making process.
The discontent expressed by Damianou and Loukas is echoed by similar sentiments circulating on social media platforms in recent days. Despite their criticisms, both members affirmed their overall support for the party, suggesting a desire to allow time for the party's strategies to develop. “Let’s give time for things to shape out,” they remarked.
Earlier this month, Annita Demetriou was re-elected as House president, a position she secured with the support of four votes from the Direct Democracy Cyprus MPs. This backing was part of a broader coalition strategy, as the party leadership sought to navigate the political landscape effectively.
Fidias Panayiotou, the party’s founder and a prominent social media influencer, addressed the decision to support Demetriou in a separate video. He explained that the rationale behind the endorsement was based on the belief that Demetriou would have been elected regardless of their support. Panayiotou claimed that by backing her candidacy, he was able to negotiate certain concessions from Disy, which he considered beneficial for the party.
However, Panayiotou was clear in stating that this collaboration with Disy should not be interpreted as a long-term alliance or a “blank cheque” for future political endeavors. He emphasized that the partnership does not signify a united front for the upcoming 2028 presidential elections, indicating a cautious approach to political alliances.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Direct Democracy Cyprus party will address the concerns raised by its members and supporters. The use of the Agora app and the engagement of the party's fanbase in future decisions may become crucial factors in maintaining unity and support within the party as it navigates the complexities of the Cypriot political landscape.