**Pamborides Clashes with Averof Camp Over Disy Election Debate**
Disy MP George Pamborides has engaged in a public exchange of criticism with associates of former party leader Averof Neophytou regarding the timing of discussions about the party's candidate for the 2028 presidential election. This disagreement has emerged in the wake of comments from Neophytou's camp, which emphasized that resolving the Cyprus problem should take precedence over internal party matters.
Sources close to Neophytou, who led the Democratic Rally (Disy) from 2013 to 2023, expressed in local media that the party's focus should be on diplomatic efforts related to the Cyprus issue rather than on the ambitions of potential presidential candidates. They stated, "Everyone’s ambition should be the resolution of the Cyprus problem and not the chairs," indicating a desire for unity and prioritization of national interests over personal political aspirations.
In response, Pamborides took to the X platform to express his agreement with the sentiment attributed to Neophytou’s associates. He affirmed that Disy was founded with the primary goal of addressing the Cyprus problem, asserting that this issue should always take precedence over any other concerns, including the ambitions of individual politicians. However, he also voiced criticism towards those within the party who appear to be preparing for the presidential race, suggesting that some are more focused on gathering advisors and establishing election headquarters than on substantive issues.
Pamborides remarked, “Cyprus is too small to hide,” implying that the actions and motivations of politicians are easily scrutinized. He stated that politicians would ultimately be judged based on their handling of negotiations concerning the Cyprus issue, starting with the current government. He cautioned against using the Cyprus problem as a tool for political maneuvering, warning that those who do so would bear "very heavy responsibilities."
This exchange of views comes shortly after Pamborides announced his intention to seek the Disy nomination for the upcoming presidential election. He has positioned himself as a potential candidate alongside Neophytou and House President Annita Demetriou, both of whom are also considered viable contenders for the party’s nomination. Demetriou has acknowledged Pamborides’ interest as “legitimate” while reiterating that Disy intends to nominate its own candidate for the presidential election.
Neophytou, who was the party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, did not advance to the second round, finishing behind Nikos Christodoulides and Akel-backed candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis. Christodoulides, a former Disy member, ran as an independent candidate after the party chose Neophytou as its nominee.
Pamborides has recently returned to the political arena after serving as the health minister from 2015 to 2018 under former President Nicos Anastasiades. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the establishment of the General Healthcare System (Gesy), a landmark reform in Cyprus's healthcare landscape.
As the party prepares for the 2028 presidential election, discussions about leadership and priorities within Disy are expected to intensify. With Pamborides, Neophytou, and Demetriou all in contention, the party faces the challenge of balancing its internal dynamics with the imperative of addressing the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly the long-standing Cyprus problem.