Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.thenationalherald.com
NICOSIA – Averof Neofytou, former president of Cyprus’ Democratic Rally party, raised the need to review and lift energy sanctions against Russia, calling on President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides to take a relevant initiative at the next European Union Summit.
He warned of a further worsening of the high cost of living and an increase in inflation and loan installments, arguing that the new energy crisis threatens to drive thousands of households into financial deadlock.
Speaking at a press conference he held on October 16, Neofytou focused his intervention on the increased cost of living and the need to take substantive measures to protect citizens, while also criticizing the government’s economic policy.
Despite intense journalistic interest in his intentions ahead of the 2028 presidential elections and developments within DISY, he avoided clarifying whether he would seek the party’s nomination or run as an independent candidate. He referred internal party issues to the following week, reiterating that he would not hurt his fellow party members.
Regarding Russia, Averof Neofytou argued that new international developments require a review of European policy, particularly in the energy sector.
He cited the decision of the United States to ease restrictions concerning the supply of Russian oil, questioning why Europe continues to maintain energy sanctions despite their impact on the economy and citizens. “We cannot continue shooting ourselves in the foot,” he said characteristically, adding that Europe must demonstrate political realism and Cyprus must take initiatives.
He specifically called on President Christodoulides to urgently raise the issue of reviewing and lifting energy sanctions against Russia at the next EU Summit. He clarified, however, that his proposal concerns exclusively energy sanctions and not all the restrictive measures imposed by the European Union.
At the same time, he made clear that he remains steadfast in Cyprus’ Western orientation and that this particular position does not constitute a reversal of his condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he described as illegal and unacceptable. As he stated, he had supported the imposition of sanctions from the beginning of the war, but believes that today’s economic conditions require pragmatism and a reassessment of decisions.
Although the press conference’s main subject was the high cost of living, journalists’ questions repeatedly focused also on Averof Neofytou’s political intentions ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
The former DISY president avoided clarifying whether he intends to seek the party’s nomination or run as an independent candidate in the presidential elections. “I remain a Democratic Rally member, I fully respect my party and my fellow party members,” he said, adding that society’s major problems transcend party differences.
He reiterated that he has made “a promise and a pledge of honor to my fellow party members” and that he will never hurt them, he said.
