[/QUOTE]
"The decision of the DIKO Central Committee to support my candidacy, strengthens our collective effort, as it emerges from the dialogue with society, on the need to work towards renewing procedures and attitudes, away from traditional practices and approaches of the past." With these words, Nikos Christodoulides thanked the Democratic Party, who continues the electoral campaign certainly strengthened.
Nicolas' speeches
The decision of the DIKO Central Committee to support Christodoulides was unanimous, with no votes against. Abstention was observed only by MP Christos Orphanides, whose position on the issue was known and not surprising. In his speech before the body yesterday, Nicolas Papadopoulos addressed the members, explaining the reasons that led the Executive to choose Nikos Christodoulides, noting among other things that, on the one hand, he is electable and, on the other hand, that a large part of the base has already positioned itself in his favour, something that has been reflected in the polls. He also said that he wants support for Nicos Christodoulides mainly because "in Crans Montana, when some people were pressing President Anastasiades for unacceptable concessions and trying to pull the rug out from under his feet, only two politicians supported him. One was Nikos Kotzias and the other was Nikos Christodoulides."[/P]Immediate reaction DISY
The reaction from the Democratic Rally to DIKO's decision was not long in coming. In a written statement, DISY pointed out that "as of today, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides is officially the willing accomplice in the attempt of the DIKO leadership to rejoin the government at all costs. He puts an end to the hypocrisy of the fake 'independence'. The agreements that were made long ago, behind closed doors and with the only thing in common is the extreme desire of DIKO and Mr Christodoulides to rise and share power. Mr. Christodoulides is officially the candidate of DIKO. He chooses in the most emphatic way to stand up to the party and the people of the Democratic Rally," DISY said in its statement.
Disy and AKEL recognise that DIKO's support gives Nikos Christodoulides more than it may take away from him, as mentioned in previous Cyprus Times reports.
First and foremost, they believe that DIKO's decision may serve as a precursor for other smaller parties. Moreover, support from one party creates synergies on multiple levels, which are necessary for a candidate who follows a lonely path without the necessary organisational mechanism and cadres with electoral experience.
In DIKO they expect that the pressure they will receive on the communication level will increase since the support of the former minister, Nikos Christodoulides, is in contradiction with the declared goal of change and getting rid of the current government.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
