Rafaela Dimitriadi
Giorgos Pamboridis outlined his vision and policy platform today at his first news conference since formally entering the race for Democratic Rally’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election.
The DISY lawmaker presented proposals across 11 policy areas under the slogan “Let’s talk about what matters,” while emphasizing the party’s role in the country’s future.
He said he believed he could reach the presidential runoff and that his candidacy could help reunite DISY. Asked whether he feared his rival, Averof Neofytou, might refuse to support him if he won the nomination, Pamboridis acknowledged the concern but said he did not want to believe that would happen.
He also made clear that he wanted to focus on the real problems facing society rather than become embroiled in “petty disputes.”
“My approach to politics strengthens unity”
Asked whether he had considered withdrawing to help restore party unity, Pamboridis said he bore no responsibility for the divisions within DISY. On the contrary, he argued, his approach to politics helped bring people together.
He recalled proposing that both he and Neofytou withdraw in favor of party leader Annita Demetriou as a consensus candidate.
Pamboridis also addressed his decision not to support Neofytou in the 2023 presidential election.
“I did not support him; we were political opponents,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said he had respected Neofytou’s right, as DISY leader at the time, to seek the presidency and had stayed out of the contest on that basis.
Georgiades’ resignation and Karousos’ comments
Asked about DISY Vice President Yiannis Karousos’ view that Demetriou should have accepted Haris Georgiades’ resignation, Pamboridis said he did not want to get drawn into petty disputes.
He said such arguments were playing out daily, “without people realizing the damage being done to the party.”
What if Neofytou refuses to support him?
Pamboridis acknowledged that the possibility of Neofytou withholding his support if he secured the nomination concerned him.
However, he said he did not believe it would happen, adding that such a stance “would be rejected by DISY as a whole.”
A candidacy to overcome the divisions
Asked whether DISY’s internal problems could damage its chances in 2028, Pamboridis said he believed his candidacy could resolve those tensions “as if by magic,” allowing the party to reach out to society and regain public trust.
He questioned why DISY should remain caught up in recriminations and internal disputes rather than concentrate on its program for government. That, he said, was why he had decided to run.
“I sincerely believe my candidacy can help resolve the disarray DISY finds itself in,” he said.
“I won’t pretend to be someone I’m not”
Asked about the differences between his campaign and Neofytou’s, Pamboridis said he did not believe in putting image first or chasing the political moment.
He acknowledged that his frankness sometimes worked against him.
“I will not adopt a way of doing politics that does not reflect who I am,” he said.
Warning that the party faced a critical moment, he said a second presidential election defeat could cause DISY to unravel.
Russia sanctions and campaign “nonsense”
Pamboridis opposed Neofytou’s proposal to lift European energy sanctions against Russia.
“I don’t think Mr. Neofytou means what he said,” he remarked.
“During election campaigns, we say silly things that sometimes do not have the desired effect,” he added.
He argued that such proposals were out of step with DISY, the European People’s Party and European institutions more broadly.
Pamboridis’ 11 policy priorities
1. The Cyprus issue
- Reject partition and a two-state solution.
- Pursue a settlement based on U.N. resolutions.
- End the presence of occupation troops, with no Turkish rights of intervention or guarantees.
2. Cyprus’ geostrategic position
- Make full use of Cyprus’ EU membership.
- Strengthen ties with Egypt and Israel.
- Build a long-term partnership with the United States.
- Strengthen defense capabilities and consider Cyprus’ relationship with NATO.
3. Institutions and the fight against corruption
- Introduce a modern, workable constitution.
- Strengthen institutional checks and balances.
- Restructure law enforcement bodies.
- Safeguard the integrity of investigative authorities.
4. Prices and the cost of living
Address the financial pressure on households, the cost of basic necessities and the difficulty of saving for the future, focusing on four areas:
- Affordable housing.
- Energy bills.
- Education and private tutoring costs.
- Transport costs and traffic congestion.
5. Affordable housing
- Provide government support based on household income.
- Offer government guarantees for young couples.
- Introduce rent-to-own arrangements and rent subsidies.
- Link housing incentives to having children.
6. Energy costs
- Move toward natural gas and alternative energy sources.
- Complete the electricity interconnection.
- Modernize energy infrastructure.
- Lower household electricity bills.
7. Education and private tutoring costs
- Carry out a comprehensive review of the education system.
- Use school facilities for afternoon lessons in small classes.
- Give all students access to preparation for further studies in Cyprus and abroad.
8. Traffic and transport
- Commission a scientific study to identify lasting solutions to congestion.
- Examine options including trains, trams and other innovative forms of transport.
- Treat traffic congestion as an emergency.
- Strengthen the Traffic Police with modern equipment and permanent, specialized staff.
9. Health and welfare
- Complete the transition to autonomous public hospitals.
- Bring university clinics into operation and expand digital health services.
- Assess the personal doctor system using quality-based criteria.
- Introduce medical protocols and strengthen oversight of GESY.
- Apply tougher checks and penalties for proven abuses.
10. The economy
- Promote sustainable growth, productivity and competitiveness.
- Maintain sound public finances and manage public money responsibly.
- Create quality, well-paid jobs.
- Target foreign investment that adds value to the economy.
- Ensure economic growth delivers tangible benefits for citizens.
11. Entrepreneurship
- Cut red tape and simplify procedures.
- Develop policies that address the needs of businesses of all sizes.
- Support startups and innovative businesses.
- Connect research and development with market needs.
- Attract foreign investment that brings meaningful benefits to the local economy.
