**Pamboridis Announces Candidacy for Disy Nomination in 2028 Presidential Election**
Former Health Minister George Pamboridis has officially declared his intention to seek the nomination of the Democratic Rally party (Disy) for the upcoming 2028 presidential election. His announcement came during a recent appearance on the Ant1 television channel's podcast, where he discussed potential candidates for the party's nomination.
When asked who he believed might seek the party's nomination, Pamboridis mentioned himself alongside current party leader and House President Annita Demetriou and Averof Neophytou, the former leader of Disy. "What can I hide? Give me a second to explain myself. Deciding whether to run for president has a process," he stated, elaborating on the considerations involved in such a decision. He expressed confidence in his qualifications for the role, saying, "With all due respect and humility, I believe that I have the credentials to serve in the position." However, he acknowledged that he may not have the same level of access and support as his fellow potential candidates.
Demetriou responded to Pamboridis' announcement later that day, describing his interest in the nomination as "legitimate." Her own position within the party has been strengthened following a successful performance in the May parliamentary elections, where she secured her role as House President through strategic negotiations with other political factions.
Pamboridis served as the Health Minister under former President Nicos Anastasiades from July 2015 until the 2018 presidential election, where he was succeeded by Constantinos Ioannou. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the establishment of the General Health System (Gesy), overseeing negotiations that led to the passage of the necessary legislation in June 2017.
After stepping back from frontline politics in 2018, Pamboridis returned to the political arena earlier this year when he was elected as a Member of Parliament. His re-emergence has sparked discussions about the future leadership of Disy, particularly in light of the party's recent electoral history.
Currently, Demetriou appears to be the frontrunner for the party's nomination, especially after her successful re-election as House President. She has indicated that Disy intends to put forth its own candidate for the 2028 election, dismissing speculation that the party might support the re-election of incumbent President Nikos Christodoulides. Christodoulides, who left Disy in 2022 to run as an independent, was elected in 2023, defeating both Neophytou and Akel-backed candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis.
Historically, no candidate has won a presidential election in Cyprus after losing a previous attempt since the country gained independence in 1960. This context adds an additional layer of complexity to the ambitions of Pamboridis and his fellow candidates as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus will remain on how Disy navigates its internal dynamics and the potential candidacies of Pamboridis, Demetriou, and Neophytou as the 2028 presidential election approaches.