View source for Democratic Rally

{{Short description|Liberal-conservative political party in the Republic of Cyprus}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox political party
| country          = Cyprus
| name             = Democratic Rally
| native_name      = Δημοκρατικός Συναγερμός<br>
Demokratik Seferberlik
| native_name_lang = el
| colours          = {{Color box|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}|border=darkgray}} [[Blue]]
| logo             = Logo of the Democratic Rally (Cyprus).svg
| abbreviation     = DISY
| leader1_title    = President
| leader1_name     = [[Annita Demetriou]]
| leader2_title    = Deputy President
| leader2_name     = [[Efthimios Diplaros]]
| leader3_title    = Vice Presidents
| leader3_name     = [[Savia Orfanidou]]<br>[[Georgios Karoullas]]<br>[[Yiannis Karousos]]
| think_tank       = ONEDISY
| student_wing     = PROTOPORIA
| youth_wing       = NEDISY (Democratic Rally Youth)
| womens_wing      = GODISY
| founder          = [[Glafcos Clerides]]
| logo_size        = 225
| colorcode        = {{Political party data|color}}
| foundation       = {{Start date and age|1976|7|4|df=y}}
| predecessor      = [[Eniaion|EK]]<ref>{{Cite book |author=Neofytos Loizides |title=Transformations of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot Right: Right-wing Peace-makers? |work=Beyond a Divided Cyprus: A State and Society in Transformation |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2012 |page=186 |isbn=9780230338548}}</ref><br>[[Democratic National Party (Cyprus)|DEK]]<br>[[Progressive Front|PP]]
| ideology         = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
 |[[Christian democracy]]
 |[[Liberal conservatism]]
 |[[Pro-Europeanism]]}}
| membership       = 50,660<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gr.euronews.com/2023/03/11/kypros-simera-h-eklogiki-diadikasia-gia-tin-anadeixi-neo8-proedrou-toy-dysi|title=Κύπρος: Δημητρίου εναντίον Δημητρίου για την ηγεσία του ΔΗΣΥ|website=gr.euronews.com|date=11 March 2023|access-date=11 March 2023|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311164610/https://gr.euronews.com/2023/03/11/kypros-simera-h-eklogiki-diadikasia-gia-tin-anadeixi-neo8-proedrou-toy-dysi|url-status=live|language=el}}</ref>
| membership_year  = 2022
| position         = [[Centre-right politics|Centre-right]]{{refn|<ref>{{Cite book |author=Neophytos Loizides |title=Challenging Partition in Five Success Stories |work=Resolving Cyprus: New Approaches to Conflict Resolution |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=2015 |page=181}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ε. Δίπλαρος: Γνωρίζω τι πρέπει να γίνει στον ΔΗΣΥ, πλήρης ανασυγκρότηση {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/e-diplaros-gnorizo-ti-prepei-na-ginei-ston-disy-pliris-anasygkrotisi |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Σε λήθαργο η κεντροδεξιά |url=https://www.alphanews.live/editorial/se-lithargo-i-kentrodexia |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref>}} to [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Escalona |first1=Fabien |last2=Keith |first2=Daniel |last3=March |first3=Luke |date=2023-04-17 |title=The Palgrave Handbook of Radical Left Parties in Europe |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Palgrave_Handbook_of_Radical_Left_Pa.html?id=wTu6EAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description |publisher=[[Springer Nature]] |page=120 |isbn=1137562641 |quote=[...] communist AKEL (Progressive Party of Working People—1926), social democratic EDEK (United Democratic Union of the Centre—1969), centre-right DIKO (Democratic Party—1976) and right-wing DISY (Democratic Rally—1976). |access-date=2025-08-15}}</ref>
| headquarters     = [[Nicosia]], [[Cyprus]]
| international    = [[Centrist Democrat International]]<br>[[International Democracy Union]]
| european         = [[European People's Party]]
| europarl         = [[European People's Party Group]]
<!-- Values obtained from Wikidata; to edit, see https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q644973 -->| seats1_title     = [[House of Representatives of Cyprus|House of Representatives]]
| seats1           = {{Political party data|seat composition bar|ms-lower-house}}
| seats2_title     = [[European Parliament]]
| seats2           = {{Political party data|seat composition bar|EP}}
| seats3_title     = Municipal Councils
| seats3           = {{Composition bar|140|443|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}}
| website          = {{Political party data|website}}
}}

The '''Democratic Rally''' ({{langx|el|Δημοκρατικός Συναγερμός|translit=Dimokratikós Sinagermós}}, ΔΗΣΥ, '''DISY''') is a [[Christian democratic]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parties-and-elections.eu/cyprus.html|title=Cyprus|first=Wolfram|last=Nordsieck|website=Parties and Elections in Europe|date=2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Hans|last=Slomp|title=Europe, A Political Profile: An American Companion to European Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmfAPmwE6YYC&pg=PA690|access-date=22 August 2012|date=30 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-39182-8|page=690}}</ref> and [[liberal-conservative]]<ref>{{cite web |year=2018 |title=Appendix A3: Political Parties |url=https://www.europeansocialsurvey.org/docs/round9/survey/ESS9_appendix_a3_e03_0.pdf |work=[[European Social Survey]] |edition=9th |access-date=2021-10-11 |archive-date=2022-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231075648/https://www.europeansocialsurvey.org/docs/round9/survey/ESS9_appendix_a3_e03_0.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[list of political parties in Cyprus|political party in Cyprus]] led by [[Annita Demetriou]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=OmegaLive |date=2023-03-11 |title=Εκλογές ΔΗΣΥ: Σαρωτική νίκη Αννίτας - Τα ποσοστά |url=https://omegalive.com.cy/politikh/ekloges-desu-sarotiki-nike-annitas-ta-pososta/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=OmegaLive |language=en}}</ref> The party was founded on 4 July 1976 by veteran politician [[Glafcos Clerides]]. Two leaders of the party have served as presidents of Cyprus, Clerides from 1993 until 2003 and [[Nicos Anastasiades]] from 2013 to 2023.

From 11 March 2023, the leader of the party is [[Annita Demetriou]], who also serves as the [[President of the House of Representatives (Cyprus)|president of the House of Representatives]] since June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-03-11 |title=Κύπρος: Νέα πρόεδρος του ΔΗΣΥ η Αννίτα Δημητρίου |url=https://www.documentonews.gr/article/kypros-nea-proedros-toy-dhsy-i-annita-dimitrioy/ |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=Documento |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-04 |title=House of Representatives - Οι Πρόεδροι της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων από το 1960 έως σήμερα |url=http://www.parliament.cy/el/general-information/%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B5%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B2%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%AE%CF%82-%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%83%CF%8E%CF%80%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-%CF%84%CE%BF-1960-%CE%AD%CF%89%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B1 |access-date=2023-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704172222/http://www.parliament.cy/el/general-information/%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B5%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B2%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%AE%CF%82-%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%83%CF%8E%CF%80%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-%CF%84%CE%BF-1960-%CE%AD%CF%89%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B1 |archive-date=2021-07-04 }}</ref>

== Background ==
DISY serves a widely diverse spectrum of voters, ranging from hard-line [[Greek Cypriot nationalism|Greek Cypriot nationalists]] and [[anticommunism|anti-communists]] to [[humanist]] liberals with post-materialist and post-modern values who advocate [[human rights]].<ref>{{Cite book |author=Giorgos Charalambous |title=The Party Politics of the Problem |work=Resolving Cyprus |year=2015 |page=50}}</ref> DISY's platform focuses on free enterprise economic policies, lower direct taxes (i.e., on income earned and investment) and higher indirect taxes (i.e., on consumption, excise, and negative externalities), economic development, opposing government deficits, investments in [[infrastructure]], and a practical solution to the [[Cyprus dispute]] (though the party base is traditionally more hawkish and hard-line than the party leadership). It is the most explicitly [[Atlanticism|Atlanticist]] and pro-[[NATO]] of Cyprus's parties, and draws its support from middle-class professionals, businessmen, and white-collar employees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cyprus - Political Parties |url=http://countrystudies.us/cyprus/64.htm |access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins ===
The Democratic Rally (DISY) emerged from the split of the [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] "[[Eniaion]]" into two opposing parties. Following the [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|Turkish invasion]] and the [[1974 Cypriot coup d'état|1974 coup d'état]], internal conflicts within [[Eniaion]] led to the creation of DISY, led by [[Glafcos Clerides|Glafkos Clerides]], and [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]], led by [[Spyros Kyprianou]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ΔΗΣΥ: Από τον Κληρίδη σε Δημητρίου, οι κυριότεροι σταθμοί 47 χρόνων |url=https://www.tothemaonline.com/Article/344948/dhsy-apo-ton-klhridh-se-dhmhtrioy-oi-kyrioteroi-stathmoi-47-hronwn- |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=tothemaonline.com |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Γλαύκος Κληρίδης:Ο "πατέρας" του Δημοκρατικού Συναγερμού |url=https://avant-garde.com.cy/new-works/new-identity/glafkos-kliridis |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=avant-garde.com.cy |language=en}}</ref> The newly established DISY was a [[pro-Western]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 1976 |title=CYPRUS_1976_E.PDF |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/CYPRUS_1976_E.PDF}}</ref> and [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1976-05-16 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/577993?q=%CF%87%CF%89%CF%81%CE%AF%CF%82%20%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-63,1622,2183,1101 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> party, that brought together the moderate [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]] and former [[EOKA B]] sympathisers, both of whom opposed the return of [[Makarios III|Archbishop Makarios]] to the presidency.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Loizides |first=Neophytos |title=Transformations of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot Right: Right-Wing Peace-Makers? |date=January 2012 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=978-1-349-34153-5}}</ref> Founded in 1976, DISY's logo is the [[Nike of Paionios]].

=== 1976–1981: Defeat by the Democratic Powers alliance ===
In the [[1976 Cypriot legislative election|1976 legislative election]], the newly-established Democratic Rally (DISY) formed an [[alliance]] with the [[Far-right politics|far-right]] [[Democratic National Party (Cyprus)|Democratic National Party (DEK)]] to oppose the ruling president, [[Makarios III]]. This coalition ran against the governing parties, which had united under the [[alliance]] named "Democratic Powers" in support of the president.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1976-09-05 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/578747?q=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-134,1758,2866,1445 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

The Democratic Powers alliance, composed of [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]], [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], and [[EDEK Socialist Party|EDEK]], won 34 out of the 35 seats. The [[Independent politician|independent candidate]], [[Tassos Papadopoulos]], secured the remaining seat. The DISY-DEK alliance failed to win any seats, leaving them without representation in the parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1976-09-07 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/578748?q=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=503,3273,1803,909 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

=== 1981–1993: Electoral breakthrough ===
Five years after its electoral defeat, in the [[1981 Cypriot legislative election|1981 legislative election]], DISY secured 12 seats in the [[House of Representatives (Cyprus)|House of Representatives]], establishing itself as the [[Parliamentary opposition|official opposition]] to [[Spyros Kyprianou]]'s government. The party received 31.8% of the popular vote, winning the same number of seats as [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], which garnered 32.7% and finished first.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · Εξελέγησαν το πρωΐ οι 35 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1244085?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-1624,115,4285,2056 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΣΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, 1981-05-27 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/598182?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=418,1042,4730,2386 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · Η ΔΕΙΛΙΝΗ, 1981-05-27 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1127230?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-159,631,7399,3733 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> This election marked the first time that former [[EOKA]] fighters entered the Cypriot parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΜΕΣΗΜΒΡΙΝΗ, 1981-05-26 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1127384?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-4254,-1,14378,7254 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

The Democratic Rally participated in presidential elections for the first time in [[1983 Cypriot presidential election|1983]], supporting its president and founder, [[Glafcos Clerides]]. Clerides faced the incumbent president, [[Spyros Kyprianou]], and the leader of [[EDEK Socialist Party|EDEK]], [[Vassos Lyssarides]]. Kyprianou was supported by the alliance of [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]] and [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1983-02-13 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/586726?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-378,1023,5816,2934 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Clerides finished second with 33.9% of the vote and lost in the first round, with Kyprianou securing victory with 56.4% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1983-02-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/586728?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-166,2277,1925,971 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

The electoral power of the Democratic Rally continued to grow, and in the [[1985 Cypriot legislative election|1985 legislative election]], it finished first, securing 19 out of the 52 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΣΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, 1985-12-10 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/602010?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-2632,1274,9808,4948 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> In the [[1988 Cypriot presidential election|1988 presidential election]], [[Glafcos Clerides]] led in the first round with 33.3% of the votes<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1988-02-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/582074?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-1267,473,7116,3590 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟΣ, 1988-02-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/549474?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-4309,-331,13095,6606 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> but narrowly lost in the second round to [[Independent politician|independent candidate]] [[George Vassiliou]], who was supported by [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟΣ, 1988-02-22 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/549475?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-473,447,4717,2379 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1988-02-22 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/582081?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-4038,-1,12573,6343 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> In the [[1991 Cypriot legislative election|1991 legislative election]], the party finished first again and gained one more seat, bringing their total to 20 seats in the [[House of Representatives (Cyprus)|House of Representatives]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΣΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, 1991-05-20 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/910674?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-3022,0,9334,4708 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy |language=el}}</ref>

=== 1993–2003: Clerides Presidency of Cyprus ===
In the second round of the [[1993 Cypriot presidential election|1993 presidential election]], [[Glafcos Clerides]] narrowly defeated the incumbent president, [[George Vassiliou]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-02-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/593937?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-161,1341,3272,1650 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Following his victory, Clerides extended an open invitation to all political parties to form a [[coalition government]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΧΑΡΑΥΓΗ, 1993-02-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/916524?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-3529,-260,10270,5181 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> After several days of negotiations, a [[majority government]] was established, consisting of the DISY and [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · "Κυθέρνηση ελάχιστης αξιοπιστίας" · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/839151?q=%CE%9A%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-222,-116,2405,1154 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Clerides did not seek re-election for the party leadership, and as a result, on June 11, 1993, [[Yiannakis Matsis]] became the president of the Democratic Rally, running unopposed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · Γ. Μάτσης, Α.Παρισινός, Στ.Λοϊζίδης εκλέχθηκαν χωρίς ανυποψήφιο · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1098395?q=%CE%9C%CE%AC%CF%84%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-497,352,1717,824 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΣΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, 1993-06-12 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/910794?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-832,759,6149,3102 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Matsis reassured that the party would continue supporting the government of its founder, [[Glafcos Clerides]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΜΑΤΣΗΣ: Ο ΔΗΣΥ θα στηρίξει την Κυβέρνηση του Κληρίδη... · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1391716?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=14,-13,1184,568 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>[[File:Kliridis.jpg|thumb|[[Glafcos Clerides|Glafkos Clerides]], founder and leader of '''DISY''' (1976-1993) and [[President of Cyprus]] (1993-2003).]]Clerides prioritised the admission of [[Cyprus]] into the [[European Economic Community|European Economic Community (EEC)]], the predecessor of the [[European Union]], and aimed to hold a [[United Nations]] National Conference to address the [[Cyprus problem]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-04-12 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594050?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1480,2609,3250,1639 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Faced with a high [[budget deficit]] inherited from the previous administration, Clerides' [[Ministry of finance|finance minister]] implemented measures to reduce [[Government spending|public spending]] and increase [[taxation]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-04-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594046?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1360,2624,1672,844 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-05-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594102?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=673,762,1866,941 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-07-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594342?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=454,1482,3101,1564 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-09-30 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594604?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=15&xywh=2163,372,2897,1461 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · Τα φορολογικά μέτρα της Κυβέρνησης Κληρίδη · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/1390733?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-126,-196,2827,1356 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

During his presidency, [[Glafcos Clerides|Clerides]] engaged in multiple discussions with [[Rauf Denktaş]], the "president" of the self-proclaimed [[Northern Cyprus|Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]], to address the [[Cyprus problem]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-07-06 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594340?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-448,1546,5204,2625 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-10-09 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594732?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-237,1738,4734,2388 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Clerides sought greater involvement from the [[United States]] in resolving the issue, which he conveyed to President [[Bill Clinton]] during their meeting in [[New York City|New York]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-05-23 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594117?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-4681,-349,13804,6964 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Additionally, Clerides had a notable disagreement with [[Foreign Secretary (United Kingdom)|British Foreign Minister]] [[Douglas Hurd]] over his stance on the [[Cyprus problem|Cyprus issue]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1993-11-10 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/594884?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=607,2390,1568,791 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

On June 7, 1997, [[Yiannakis Matsis]], President of the Democratic Rally, expressed his serious dissatisfaction with president [[Glafcos Clerides|Clerides]] for not listening to the party's input. He also criticised his party for failing to produce substantial policy proposals and for the vindictive behaviour of some members. In protest, he withdrew his candidacy for re-election as president of DISY.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1997-06-07 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592475?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=2288,4365,2032,1025 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1997-06-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592476?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=2&xywh=1016,928,1742,878 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> [[Nicos Anastasiades]] competed with [[Demetris Syllouris]] for the party leadership and won the election with 69% of the vote.<ref name=":0" />

During his first five-year term, Clerides lost the support of his coalition partner, [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]], which instead backed his opponent, [[Georgios Iacovou]], in the [[1998 Cypriot presidential election|1998 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΔΗΚΟ: Ο Κληρίδης οδήγησε το Κυπριακό στο πιο κρίσιμο αδιέξοδο · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/876091?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-84,-41,2045,981 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Despite being supported by both [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]] and [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592894?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=3&xywh=-208,1371,2015,1016 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Iacovou lost the election, with Clerides winning a second term with 50.8% of the vote in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-16 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592932?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-135,972,2409,1215 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Although Clerides aimed to create an all-party government, [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]] and [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]] strongly opposed his invitation and positioned themselves as "strong [[Opposition (politics)|opposition]]" parties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-17 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592933?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1369,1792,2221,1120 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-18 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592934?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1445,1800,3217,1623 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-20 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592936?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-452,814,5523,2786 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> After discussions with multiple party leaders, a [[coalition government]] was formed between DISY, [[EDEK Socialist Party|EDEK]] and [[United Democrats|United Democrats (EDI)]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-27 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592943?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=322,1752,2665,1344 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-02-28 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592944?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=8&xywh=-434,638,3021,1524 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

During 1997–1998, Clerides' government made the decision to acquire Russian-made [[S-300 missile system]]s, heightening tensions with [[Turkey]], which threatened [[military action]] in response.<ref name="auto12">{{cite web |date=23 October 2011 |title=Turkey hints at strike on Cypriot missiles |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/turkey-hints-at-strike-on-cypriot-missiles-1282572.html |publisher=independent |language=en}}</ref> The crisis ended in December 1998 when [[Cyprus]] relocated the missiles to [[Greece]]. The so-called [[Cypriot S-300 crisis]] led to the dissolution of the coalition government, leaving only DISY and [[United Democrats|EDI]] remaining in the coalition.<ref name="auto22">{{Cite web |title=Cyprus transfers controversial S300 missiles to Greece - People's Daily Online |url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/6323968.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828064132/http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/6323968.html |archive-date=2016-08-28 |access-date=2016-08-20 |website=en.people.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-12-30 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/593565?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1066,2110,2449,1235 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

During his second term, Clerides actively pursued Cyprus's admission to the [[European Union]], engaging in numerous official accession talks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-03-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/592957?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-2,1185,3489,1760 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 1998-12-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/593515?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=363,1708,2940,1483 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

[[Glafcos Clerides|Clerides]] had announced that he would not seek re-election for a third term. However, on January 3, 2003, he urged Cypriots to grant him an additional 16-month term to pursue a reunification deal with the self-proclaimed [[Northern Cyprus]]. Clerides called on other candidates to support him and form a [[national unity government]] to achieve this goal; however, his opponents did not agree to his proposal.<ref name="limited">{{cite news |last=Jansen |first=Michael |date=2003-01-04 |title=Cypriot President seeking 16-month limited mandate |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |page=9}}</ref><ref name="seeks">{{cite news |date=2003-01-03 |title=Cyprus president seeks re-election |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2625291.stm |access-date=28 May 2009 |work=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref>

=== 2003: A fragmented presidential bid ===
In the [[2003 Cypriot presidential election|2003 presidential election]], [[Glafcos Clerides]] sought an additional 16-month term to pursue a reunification deal.<ref name="limited" /> Although he had the official support of his party, a notable former DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] and [[Attorney general|Attorney General]] of [[Cyprus]], [[Alecos Markides]], opposed Clerides' candidacy and ran [[Independent candidate|independently]] in the election. Markides garnered significant support from within DISY, including backing from 5 of the 19 DISY MPs, and secured 6.6% of the vote. Clerides received 38.8% in the first round, while [[Tassos Papadopoulos]], supported by [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]] and [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], won the election outright with 51.5% of the vote, making DISY the [[official opposition]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 2003-01-08 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/600382?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=20&xywh=1371,74,4561,2301 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 2003-02-17 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/598731?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=128,1795,2443,1232 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

Following the election results, DISY President [[Nicos Anastasiades]] immediately expelled the five [[Member of parliament|MPs]] who had supported [[Alecos Markides|Markides]] from the party's registry. These MPs included [[Demetris Syllouris]], [[Prodromos Prodromou]], [[Riccos Erotokritou]], [[Eleni Vrahimi]], and [[Sofoklis Hatziyiannis]]. Anastasiades strongly criticised them for undermining Clerides' candidacy and contributing to the party's electoral defeat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 2003-02-17 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/598731?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=1009,3563,2036,1027 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> The five expelled members condemned Anastasiades' action and demanded his resignation, warning of a "civil war" within the party.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ, 2003-02-19 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/600485?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=20&xywh=1238,1314,4213,2125 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

=== 2004: DISY Splits into Three over the Annan Plan ===
On April 24, 2004, Cypriot voters participated in a [[2004 Cypriot Annan Plan referendums|referendum on the Annan Plan]], which proposed the establishment of the United Republic of Cyprus as a [[federation]] of two states: Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot. The plan outlined a [[federal government]] that would feature a collective Presidential Council, a bicameral legislature, a Supreme Court with equal representation from both communities, and mechanisms for reconciliation and troop reductions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hri.org/docs/annan/Annan_Plan_Text.html|title=THE TEXT OF THE PLAN|date=April 5, 2004|website=Hellenic Resources Network|accessdate=2018-04-22}}</ref>

After an internal referendum, the Democratic Rally officially endorsed the [[Annan Plan]], encouraging its voters to support it with a YES vote. [[Glafcos Clerides]], who was 85, notably remarked that if the majority rejected the plan, he would prefer to die rather than witness the resulting devastating consequences.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-04-16 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/199469?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=105,3154,3782,1907 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-04-15 |title=Δραματική έκκληση του Γλαύκου Κληρίδη για "ναι" στο σχέδιο Ανάν |url=https://www.in.gr/2004/04/15/greece/dramatiki-ekklisi-toy-glaykoy-kliridi-gia-nai-sto-sxedio-anan/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=in.gr |language=el}}</ref>

The Democratic Rally was the only parliamentary party to support the [[Annan Plan]], alongside the smaller [[United Democrats]], leading to a vote against the [[2004 Cypriot Annan Plan referendums|referendum]].<ref name="gpsg">{{cite book |url=https://www.gpsg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2007-P4-Chadjipadelis1.pdf |title=Analysis of the Cyprus referendum on the Annan plan |page=4}}</ref>
[[File:Matsis.jpg|left|thumb|[[Yiannakis Matsis]], President of '''DISY''' (1993-1997) founder of [[For Europe (Cyprus)|For Europe]] alliance (2004) and [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] for the splinter [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|EvroDi]] (2004-2009).]]
Despite the party's official stance, a significant faction within DISY expressed opposition to the referendum, raising concerns about a potential split of the party. Former DISY president [[Yiannakis Matsis]], who had previously clashed with [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]]' leadership, initiated plans to form a new political party called "European Rally", receiving support from expelled MPs [[Prodromos Prodromou]] and [[Demetris Syllouris]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-04-30 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/201618?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=6&xywh=1092,3349,3337,1683 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>

The opposers of the [[Annan Plan]] followed through on their threats by founding the alliance "[[For Europe (Cyprus)|Rally For Europe]]" in preparation for the [[2004 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2004 European Parliament elections]]. Among the six candidates were [[Yiannakis Matsis]], former president of DISY, along with [[Riccos Erotokritou]] and [[Prodromos Prodromou]], all of whom were critical of [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]]' DISY leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-05-15 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/201601?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=3&xywh=690,1567,4538,2289 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> The alliance also received support from expelled DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] and Parliamentary Spokesperson [[Demetris Syllouris]], although he did not actively join it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · Έξοδος Συλλούρη · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/297590?q=%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-636,1127,3349,1607 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · "Ευρωπαϊκό Συναγερμὀ" στηρίζει ο Δ. Συλλούρης · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/678066?q=%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-1578,41,4222,2025 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> The Democratic Rally contested the use of the term "Rally" in the alliance's name, citing legal restrictions against other parties using it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-05-31 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/203392?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=3&xywh=215,2508,3264,1646 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-06-02 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/200360?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=3&xywh=-58,1155,5470,2759 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Ultimately, the alliance was renamed "For Europe" and received 10.8% of the votes, with [[Yiannakis Matsis|Matsis]] securing one of the six seats in the [[European Parliament]]. The Democratic Rally narrowly surpassed [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], winning two seats with 28.2% of the votes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-06-14 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/203411?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-9,1656,4547,2293 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref>
[[File:Dimitris Syllouris - 2017 (37947273235) (cropped).jpg|thumb|157x157px|[[Demetris Syllouris]], expelled DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] and president of the splinter [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]].]]
Following the elections, the "For Europe" alliance continued to distance itself from its parent party, DISY, and eventually evolved into a registered political party known as [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|European Democracy (EvroDi)]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ, 2004-07-01 · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/200030?q=#?c=&m=&s=&cv=6&xywh=457,1780,3833,1934 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref> Despite initially endorsing the alliance, [[Demetris Syllouris]] refused to join [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|EvroDi]] and promoted the foundation of a new political movement, the [[European Party (Cyprus)|European Party (EVROKO)]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PIO Digital Collections EL · ΔΗΣΥ: «Με ποιον είστε, κ.κ. Μάτση και Συλλούρη · PIO |url=https://pressarchive.cy/s/el/item/248692?q=%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%82#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-212,725,2240,1074 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=pressarchive.cy}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Κόμματά που ήλθαν, είδαν και απήλθαν |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2016/12/4/312051/kommata-pou-elthan-eidan-kai-apelthan/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Κόμματά που ήλθαν, είδαν και απήλθαν |language=en}}</ref>

In 2005, expelled DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Demetris Syllouris|Syllouris]] proposed merging the [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] parties [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|EvroDi]] and [[New Horizons (Cyprus)|New Horizons]] to form [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]]. He gained support from New Horizons and from a significant faction of expelled DISY MPs and EvroDi members. However, [[Prodromos Prodromou]], president of EvroDi, did not accept the merger proposal. This led to a split in [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|EvroDi]], with many of its members, including its vice-president [[Riccos Erotokritou]], joining [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Polignosi |title=Νέοι Ορίζοντες |url=https://www.polignosi.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=8062&-V=limmata |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=www.polignosi.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Polignosi |title=Ευρωπαϊκό Κόμμα ΕΥΡΩΚΟ |url=https://www.polignosi.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=3957&-V=limmata |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=www.polignosi.com}}</ref>

The aftermath of the internal disagreements led to the split of DISY into three co-existing parties, each led by influential and notable figures who had played active roles during [[Glafcos Clerides|Clerides]]' administration.<ref name=":1" />

=== 2006: Loss of voters to the European Party ===
In the [[2006 Cypriot legislative election|2006 legislative election]], the Democratic Rally finished second to [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], securing 30.3% of the vote—its poorest performance since 1976. The [[European Party (Cyprus)|European Party]], led by expelled DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Demetris Syllouris]], garnered a notable 5.8% of the vote, drawing significant support away from DISY. [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|European Democracy]], the second splinter party, led by expelled DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Prodromos Prodromou]], received only 0.4% of the votes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/parliamentary_elections_2006_43/islandwide|title=Βουλευτικές Εκλογές 2006: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref>
[[File:Иоаннис Касулидис.jpg|thumb|215x215px|[[Ioannis Kasoulidis]], former [[Ministry of foreign affairs|Minister of Foreign Affairs]], [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] and '''DISY'''<nowiki/>'s candidate for the [[2008 Cypriot presidential election|2008 presidential election]].]]

=== 2008: Another presidential defeat ===
After the defeat in the [[2003 Cypriot presidential election|2003 presidential election]], the split of DISY into three parties over opposing views on the [[Annan Plan]], and the loss to [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]] in the [[2006 Cypriot legislative election|2006 legislative election]], the Democratic Rally sought a candidate with broad multi-party support for the [[2008 Cypriot presidential election|2008 presidential election]]. Their candidate, former [[Ministry of foreign affairs|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] and [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] [[Ioannis Kasoulidis]], received backing from several small parties, including the splinter [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|European Democracy]]. However, he failed to gain the support of the stronger [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]], which instead supported the incumbent [[Tassos Papadopoulos]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-15 |title=Ποιοι είναι οι υποψήφιοι των κυπριακών προεδρικών εκλογών |url=https://www.in.gr/2008/02/15/greece/poioi-einai-oi-ypopsifioi-twn-kypriakwn-proedrikwn-eklogwn/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=in.gr |language=el}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Christophorou |first=Christophoros |title=Οι Προεδρικές Εκλογές του 2008 |url=https://www.eklektor.org/el/proedrikes-ekloges-2008-analysi/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Εκλέκτωρ |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-17 |title=Ο Ιωάννης Κασουλίδης φέρνει ανατροπή στις προεδρικές εκλογές της Κύπρου |url=https://www.in.gr/2008/02/17/greece/o-iwannis-kasoylidis-fernei-anatropi-stis-proedrikes-ekloges-tis-kyproy/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=in.gr |language=el}}</ref>

In the first round, [[Ioannis Kasoulidis|Kasoulidis]] narrowly surpassed the leader of [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]], [[Demetris Christofias]]. However, the [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|Democratic Party]], whose candidate [[Tassos Papadopoulos]] failed to advance to the second round, supported Christofias, resulting in Kasoulidis losing the election with 46.6% of the vote in the second round.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_elections_2008_56/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2008: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_runoff_elections_2008_57/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2008 επαναληπτική εκλογή: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref>

Following the election, [[Prodromos Prodromou]], leader of the splinter party [[European Democracy (Cyprus)|European Democracy]], rejoined the Democratic Rally, effectively merging his party with it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-13 |title=Πρόδρομος Προδρόμου: Ο άσωτος υιός |url=http://www.philenews.com/f-me-apopsi/arthra-apo-f/article/490565/prodromos-prodromoy-o-asotos-yios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713193839/http://www.philenews.com/f-me-apopsi/arthra-apo-f/article/490565/prodromos-prodromoy-o-asotos-yios |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-07-13 |access-date=2024-07-13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-14 |title=Το Who is Who της νέας Κυβέρνησης – Τα βιογραφικά όλων... {{!}} Reporter Cyprus {{!}} Πολιτική |url=http://www.reporter.com.cy/politics/article/304082/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714224523/http://www.reporter.com.cy/politics/article/304082/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-07-14 |access-date=2024-07-13 }}</ref>

=== 2008–2013: Rising popularity as opposition to Christofias' administration ===
Following the defeat of [[Ioannis Kasoulidis]] in the [[2008 Cypriot presidential election|2008 presidential election]], the Democratic Rally maintained its position as the main [[opposition party]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-05 |title=Δέρβης και Εζεκίας άνοιξαν τον χορό... |url=https://www.sigmalive.com/archive/simerini/politics/reportaz/553496 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805204943/https://www.sigmalive.com/archive/simerini/politics/reportaz/553496 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-08-05 |access-date=2024-07-13 }}</ref> The administration of [[President of Cyprus|President]] [[Demetris Christofias]] faced significant challenges that led to widespread protests, notably the [[Evangelos Florakis Naval Base explosion|Naval Base Explosion in Mari]]<ref>{{cite news |date=12 July 2011 |title=Cypriots Riot After Deadly Munitions Blast |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/cyprus-un-would-not-authorize-disposal-of-munitions-that-caused-blast-125427243/170751.html |access-date=13 July 2011 |work=[[Voice of America]] |publisher=United States Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spencer |first=Richard |date=12 July 2011 |title=Anger grows in Cyprus over 'criminal errors' behind explosion |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/cyprus/8632718/Anger-grows-in-Cyprus-over-criminal-errors-behind-explosion.html |access-date=12 July 2011 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Morley |first=Nathan |date=13 July 2011 |title=Anger Grows in Cyprus Over Munitions Blast |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/anger-grows-in-cyprus-over-munitions-blast-125503253/167748.html |access-date=13 July 2011 |work=[[Voice of America]] |publisher=United States Government}}</ref> and the [[2012–2013 Cypriot financial crisis]].<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/dec/19/christofias-cyprus-sorry-state President Demetris Christofias has brought Cyprus to this sorry state]. ''The Guardian'' (2012-19-12). Retrieved on 2013-18-03.</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/world/europe/conservative-candidate-elected-president-in-cyprus.html?_r=0 Conservative Is Elected President in Cyprus] [[The New York Times]], 24 February 2013.</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/global/showdown-looms-over-cyprus-bailout-deal.html After Negotiations, Cyprus Agrees to a Euro Zone Bailout Package][[The New York Times]],  15 March 2013.</ref> Opinion polls indicated that the Christofias' government was largely perceived as responsible for the economic downturn,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Δημοσκόπηση "Κ": Φταίνε Χριστόφιας και Βγενόπουλος |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/dimoskopiseis/131859/?ctype=ar |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=newsroom |last2=newmoney |first2=Ειδήσεις για την Οικονομία {{!}} |date=2013-04-28 |title=Φταίει η Κυβέρνηση Χριστόφια για την κρίση λένε 8 στους 10 σε δημοσκόπηση στην Κύπρο |url=https://www.newmoney.gr/roh/palmos-oikonomias/europi/10099-949-8-10/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Ειδήσεις για την Οικονομία {{!}} newmoney |language=en}}</ref> resulting in low approval ratings by the end of his term.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2012 |title=6 out of 10 Cypriots have a negative opinion of Christofias |url=https://en.famagusta.news/news/6-10-2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-25 |title=Christodoulides' popularity plummets |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/02/25/christodoulides-popularity-plummets/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Democratic Rally capitalised on the prevailing dissatisfaction with the [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]] government, securing 34.3% of the votes in the [[2011 Cypriot legislative election|2011 legislative elections]]. Subsequent opinion polls suggested a strong likelihood of victory for the party in the [[2013 Cypriot presidential election|2013 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Δημοσκόπηση "Κ": Μπροστά με 12 πλέον μονάδες ο Αναστασιάδης |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/dimoskopisi-k-mprosta-me-12-pleon-monades-o-anastasiadis |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-29 |title=Δημοσκόπηση για τις προεδρικές εκλογές |url=https://www.stockwatch.com.cy/el/article/politika/dimoskopisi-gia-tis-proedrikes-ekloges |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Stockwatch - Παράθυρο στην Οικονομία |language=el}}</ref>

=== 2013–2023: Anastasiades' turbulent presidency of Cyprus ===
[[File:Nicos Anastasiades, November 2022 (ABG GPO1).jpeg|left|thumb|238x238px|[[Nicos Anastasiades|Nikos Anastasiades]], former [[Member of parliament|MP]], President of '''DISY''' (1997-2013) and [[President of Cyprus]] (2013-2023).]]
An internal election was held within the Democratic Rally to select a candidate for the [[2013 Cypriot presidential election|2013 presidential election]]. The party president, [[Nicos Anastasiades|Nikos Anastasiades]] won the election, receiving 86.7% of the votes, while his opponent, [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] [[Eleni Theocharous]], received 13.3%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Ο Αναστασιάδης με 86,73% υποψήφιος του ΔΗΣΥ στις προεδρικές |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/81959/?ctype=ar |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref>

Anastasiades campaigned on the public dissatisfaction with [[Demetris Christofias|Christofias]]' handling of the economy, using the slogan "Crises need Leaders", in reference to the [[2012–2013 Cypriot financial crisis|financial crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christophorou |first=Christophoros |date=January 2018 |title=Presidential elections in Cyprus |url=https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/zypern/14906.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Η κρίση θέλει ηγέτη |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/apopseis/arthrografia/tasos-tryfonos/i-krisi-thelei-igeti |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref> He also received support from [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-13 |title=Αναστασιάδης ο |url=https://www.sigmalive.com/archive/news/politics/527319 |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.sigmalive.com}}</ref> In the first round of the election, Anastasiades secured 45.5% of the vote, nearly 20 percentage points ahead of [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]]-backed [[Stavros Malas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_elections_2013_81/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2013: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref> In the second round, Anastasiades won the presidency with 57.5% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_runoff_elections_2013_83/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2013 επαναληπτική εκλογή: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref> His majority government was a coalition of DISY, [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]] and the splinter [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Αναστασιάδης: "Θα είμαστε η Κυβέρνηση του λαού για το λαό" |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/121804/?ctype=ar |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Γιατί επιβάλλεται μια κυβέρνηση ευρύτερης δυνατής αποδοχής |url=https://simerini.sigmalive.com/article/2014/12/27/giati-epiballetai-mia-kubernese-euruteres-dunates-apodokhes/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Γιατί επιβάλλεται μια κυβέρνηση ευρύτερης δυνατής αποδοχής |language=en}}</ref>

Following Anastasiades' election, [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Averof Neofytou]] was elected as the new president of the Democratic Rally. Neofytou had previously served as [[Polis Chrysochou|Mayor of Polis]] (1992-1996) and as [[List of Ministers of Communications and Works of Cyprus|Minister of Communications and Works]] (1999-2003) in Clerides' administration.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=http://www.parliament.cy/el/biographical-notes/neofytou-averof|title=ΝΕΟΦΥΤΟΥ Αβέρωφ|last=|first=|date=|website=www.parliament.cy|publisher=[[Βουλή των Αντιπροσώπων (Κύπρος)]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707013119/http://www.parliament.cy/el/biographical-notes/neofytou-averof|archivedate=2019-07-07|accessdate=2019-07-05}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://www.averof.org.cy/index.php?id=2|title=Βιογραφικό - Αβέρωφ Νεοφύτου|last=|first=|date=|website=www.averof.org.cy|publisher=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707031213/http://www.averof.org.cy/index.php?id=2|archivedate=2019-07-07|accessdate=2019-07-07}}</ref>

Anastasiades inherited the [[2012–2013 Cypriot financial crisis]], forcing him to break his campaign promises and implement a strict banking bailout in collaboration with the [[European Union]] and the [[International Monetary Fund]]. The agreement, signed off by the [[Eurogroup]], aimed to prevent the bankruptcy of Cyprus' main banks and avoid a potential [[euro exit]].<ref name="cyprus-mail.com2">{{Cite web |date=2013-08-27 |title=Deposit haircut was Eurogroup's proposal: Anastasiades (Updated) |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2013/08/27/deposit-haircut-was-eurogroups-proposal-anastasiades/ |access-date=2019-04-22 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="ekathimerini.com">{{Cite web |date=2019-07-16 |title=Eurogroup signs off on bailout agreement reached by Cyprus and troika {{!}} News {{!}} ekathimerini.com |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/149669/article/ekathimerini/news/eurogroup-signs-off-on-bailout-agreement-reached-by-cyprus-and-troika |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716130625/http://www.ekathimerini.com/149669/article/ekathimerini/news/eurogroup-signs-off-on-bailout-agreement-reached-by-cyprus-and-troika |archive-date=16 July 2019 |access-date=2024-01-21}}</ref> As a result of these broken promises, [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]] withdrew its support from the government, leading to the removal of its ministers from the cabinet.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 February 2014 |title=Οριστική αποχώρηση ΔΗΚΟ από την κυβέρνηση της Κύπρου |url=https://www.skai.gr/news/world/oristiki-apoxorisi-diko-apo-tin-kyvernisi-tis-kyprou}}</ref>

During his first term, Anastasiades oversaw the closure of [[Cyprus Popular Bank]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Laura |date=April 2, 2013 |title=Inside Laiki - Countdown to catastrophe |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE9310GW/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> [[Cyprus Cooperative Bank]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2019-02-13 |title=The slow death of the Cyprus Co-op Bank |url=https://www.thenews.coop/135627/sector/banking-and-insurance/slow-death-cyprus-co-op-bank/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Co-operative News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-12 |title=Investigation ordered into the downfall of the Cyprus Co-operative Bank |url=https://www.thenews.coop/130192/sector/banking-and-insurance/investigation-ordered-downfall-cyprus-co-operative-bank/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Co-operative News |language=en-GB}}</ref> and [[Cyprus Airways (1947–2015)|Cyprus Airways]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus Airways closes down |url=https://www.cyprusprofile.com/articles/cyprus-airways-closes-down |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=www.cyprusprofile.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-16 |title="Λουκέτο" στις Κυπριακές Αερογραμμές |url=https://www.zougla.gr/cyprus/article/louketo-stis-kipriakes-aerogrames |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716132705/https://www.zougla.gr/cyprus/article/louketo-stis-kipriakes-aerogrames |archive-date=16 July 2019 |access-date=2024-01-21}}</ref> He also participated in critical negotiations regarding the [[Cyprus problem]], including the Mont Pèlerin talks in November 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=Η Οδύσσεια του Μον Πελεράν |url=https://simerini.sigmalive.com/article/2016/11/13/e-odusseia-tou-mon-peleran/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Η Οδύσσεια του Μον Πελεράν |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-20 |title=Κυπριακό: Δεύτερος γύρος διαπραγματεύσεων στο Μον Πελεράν |url=https://www.naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/1107107/kypriako-defteros-gyros-diapragmatefseon-sto-mon-peleran/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=www.naftemporiki.gr |language=el}}</ref> and the [[2015–2017 Cyprus talks|Crans-Montana talks]] in the summer of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-27 |title=Sun setting on chances of Cyprus deal |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/sun-setting-on-chances-of-cyprus-reunification-deal/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Morelli |first=Vincent L. |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/R41136.pdf |journal=Congressional Research Service}}</ref> However, no agreement was reached between the two sides.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Πόλυς Πολυβίου: Γιατί ήταν λάθος του Προέδρου να φύγει από το Μοντ Πελεράν - Η προσωπική μου μαρτυρία |url=https://politis.com.cy/507272/politis-news/politiki/507272/polys-polyvioy-giati-itan-lathos-toy-proedroy-na-fygei-apo-to-mont-peleran-i-prosopiki-moy-martyria |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-31 |title='Missing minutes' of Crans-Montana meeting published {{!}} Cyprus Mail |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/07/31/missing-minutes-of-crans-montana-meeting-published/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=cyprus-mail.com/ |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[File:Eleni Theocharous (cropped).jpg|thumb|181x181px|[[Eleni Theocharous]], former [[Member of parliament|MP]] and [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]], founder and president of the splinter [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]].]]
In November 2015, [[Eleni Theocharous]], a two-term DISY [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] and paediatric surgeon who had contested [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]] for DISY's presidential nomination in 2013, announced her resignation from the party. She cited disagreements over DISY's stance on the [[Cyprus problem]] as the reason for her departure. Theocharous subsequently founded a new splinter party, the [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-21 |title=Theocharous leaves DISY, announces new movement (Updated) - Cyprus Mail Cyprus Mail |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2015/11/20/68892/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121170809/https://cyprus-mail.com/2015/11/20/68892/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-11-21 |access-date=2024-07-13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-20 |title=Αποχώρησε από το ΔΗΣΥ η ευρωβουλευτής Ελένη Θεοχάρους |url=https://www.protothema.gr/politics/article/528995/apohorise-apo-to-disu-i-eurovouleutis-eleni-theoharous/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=ProtoThema |language=el}}</ref> In early 2016, the splinter party [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]], led by former DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Demetris Syllouris]], withdrew its support from Anastasiades' government and merged with Theocharous' [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]] ahead of the [[2016 Cypriot legislative election|2016 legislative election]]. This shift left Anastasiades with a minority government, supported solely by DISY.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Πολιτικό "Διαζύγιο"; - Αποχωρεί από το ΕΥΡΩΚΟ ο Νίκος Κουγιάλης - Επιλέγει την παραμονή του στην Κυβέρνηση {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/politiko-diazygio-apohorei-apo-eyroko-o-nikos-koygialis-epilegei-tin-paramoni-toy |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Αποφάσισαν συνένωση ΕΥΡΩΚΟ - "Αλληλεγγύη" |url=https://news.rik.cy/article/2016/3/11/apophasisan-sunenose-euroko-alleleggue-6523995/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Αποφάσισαν συνένωση ΕΥΡΩΚΟ - "Αλληλεγγύη" |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2016 Cypriot legislative election|2016 legislative election]], DISY received 30.7% of the votes and secured 18 seats, a decrease from the 20 seats won in the previous election. [[Eleni Theocharous|Theocharous]]' splinter party, [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]], which had absorbed [[Demetris Syllouris|Syllouris]]' [[European Party (Cyprus)|EVROKO]], gained 5.2% and won 3 seats.

During his second term, Anastasiades confronted significant challenges, including the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Περιορισμοί στις μετακινήσεις πολιτών για παρεμπόδιση της εξάπλωσης του κορωνοϊού στην Κύπρο |url=https://mof.gov.cy/gr/%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF-%CF%84%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85/%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF-%CF%84%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%85%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%8D/%CF%80%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%BA%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%AE%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82-%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B5%CE%BC%CF%80%CF%8C%CE%B4%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B5%CE%BE%CE%AC%CF%80%CE%BB%CF%89%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%8A%CE%BF%CF%8D-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=MINISTRY OF FINANCE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kambas |first=Michele |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Cyprus goes into new lockdown from Jan 10 as COVID surges |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN29D1H5/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> and the consequences of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], which he condemened.<ref>{{Cite web |last=fm |date=2022-02-24 |title=Cyprus condemns attack on Ukraine |url=https://www.financialmirror.com/2022/02/24/cyprus-condemns-attack-on-ukraine/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Financial Mirror |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion and call for withdrawal of troops from Ukraine, Anastasiades says |url=https://www.cna.org.cy/article/4597737 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=ΚΥΠΕ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-24 |title=President: EU sanctions on Russia should not have bigger repercussions on member states |url=https://www.stockwatch.com.cy/en/article/eyropi-oikonomia/president-eu-sanctions-russia-should-not-have-bigger-repercussions-member |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Stockwatch - All about the economy |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Solutions">{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Anastasiades says Russia forced Cyprus to change |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/anastasiades-says-russia-forced-cyprus-to-change |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=knews.com.cy}}</ref> Despite these challenges, Anastasiades oversaw the implementation of the [[Health care in Cyprus|General Healthcare System]]<ref>{{cite news |date=5 April 2019 |title=The General Healthcare System (GHS, Greek: ΓεΣΥ (GeSY)) will be implemented as from the 1st of March 2019 |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3e0aa8c7-a0ff-4d0f-aa5c-56ccdf718738& |accessdate=8 July 2019 |publisher=Lexology}}</ref> and the establishment of a [[Minimum wage|Minimum Wage]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Κύπρος: Στα 940 ευρώ ο κατώτατος μισθός – Σε ισχύ από χθες {{!}} Moneyreview.gr |url=https://www.moneyreview.gr/business-and-finance/international/99081/kypros-sta-940-eyro-o-katotatos-misthos-se-ischy-apo-chthes/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.moneyreview.gr}}</ref>

During his presidency, Nicos Anastasiades was involved in multiple corruption scandals, including the [[Pandora Papers|Pandora papers]],<ref name=":8">{{cite web |date=3 October 2021 |title=Czech, Cypriot leaders named in massive offshore data leak |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/czech-cypriot-leaders-named-in-pandora-papers-offshore-data-leak/}}</ref> the [[Cyprus Confidential]]<ref>{{cite news |date=15 November 2023 |title=Cyprus Confidential: Leaked Roman Abramovich documents raise fresh questions for Chelsea FC: ICIJ-led investigation reveals how Mediterranean island ignores Russian atrocities and western sanctions to cash in on Putin's oligarchs |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/2023/11/15/cyprus-confidential-leaked-roman-abramovich-documents-raise-fresh-questions-for-chelsea-fc/ |access-date=15 November 2023 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=14 November 2023 |title=Cyprus Confidential - ICIJ |url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/cyprus-confidential/ |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=www.icij.org}}</ref> and the trilogy of [[Makarios Drousiotis]]' political thrillers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=makarios.eu |title=Βιογραφικό |url=http://www.makarios.eu/cgibin/hweb?-A=10504&-V=euroelections |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=www.makarios.eu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Θεοδώρου |first=Θεόδωρος |date=2023-01-03 |title=Μάταιος κόπος το να λες την αλήθεια |url=https://omegalive.com.cy/blogs/mataios-kopos-to-na-les-ten-alitheia/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=OmegaLive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Κουρούσιη |first=Νικολέττα |date=2024-02-24 |title=Με Μακάριο Δρουσιώτη το πρώτο ψηφοδέλτιο του Volt για τις Ευρωεκλογές |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1442281/me-makario-drousioti-to-proto-psifodeltio-tou-volt-gia-tis-evroekloges/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Φιλελεύθερος {{!}} Philenews |language=el}}</ref> In 2024, Drousiotis' third publication, "Mafia State," instigated a criminal investigation against Anastasiades, prompting the involvement of international legal practitioner [[Gabrielle Louise McIntyre]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Δημητρίου |first=Άντρια |date=2024-02-17 |title=Η Αυστραλή ΜακΙντάιρ διερευνά τις καταγγελίες κατά Αναστασιάδη |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1439712/i-makintair-dierevna-tis-katangelies-kata-anastasiadi/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Φιλελεύθερος {{!}} Philenews |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ξεκινούν την ερχόμενη εβδομάδα οι καταθέσεις για το "Κράτος Μαφία" (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ) {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/cyprus/xekinoyn-tin-erhomeni-ebdomada-oi-katatheseis-gia-kratos-mafia-binteo |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Cyprus to Probe Graft Allegations against Former President Nicos Anastasiades |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/18488-cyprus-to-probe-graft-allegations-against-former-president-nicos-anastasiades |website=www.occrp.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== 2023: DISY voters split over two candidates ===
[[File:Averof Neofytou 2022 cropped.jpg|left|thumb|191x191px|[[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Averof Neofytou]], President of '''DISY''' (2013-2023) and '''DISY'''<nowiki/>'s candidate for the [[2013 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential election]].]]
In December 2021, the president of the Democratic Rally, [[Averof Neofytou]], announced his candidacy for the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential election]], positioning himself as the official party nominee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2021 |title=Κύπρος: Δεν διεκδικεί ο Αναστασιάδης την προεδρία - Υποψήφιος ο πρόεδρος του ΔΗΣΥ, Αβέρωφ Νεοφύτου |url=https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1194146/kupros-upopsifios-gia-tin-proedria-tis-dimokratias-o-proedros-tou-disu-averof-neofutou/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210103157/https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1194146/kupros-upopsifios-gia-tin-proedria-tis-dimokratias-o-proedros-tou-disu-averof-neofutou/ |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=ProtoThema |language=el}}</ref> However, his candidacy was challenged by [[Nikos Christodoulides]], Anastasiades' [[List of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus|Minister of Foreign Affairs]], who also expressed his intention to seek DISY's nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Αβέρωφ Νεοφύτου:Ο Χριστοδουλίδης να σεβαστεί τους θεσμούς του κόμματος |url=https://news.rik.cy/article/2022/1/4/aberoph-neophutouo-khristodoulides-na-sebastei-tous-thesmous-tou-kommatos/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Αβέρωφ Νεοφύτου:Ο Χριστοδουλίδης να σεβαστεί τους θεσμούς του κόμματος |language=en}}</ref> Following accusations of undermining his campaign, Christodoulides resigned from his ministerial role and subsequently declared his [[independent candidacy]] for the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-09 |title=Παραιτήθηκε ο ΥΠΕΞ και διεκδικεί την Προεδρία |url=https://www.stockwatch.com.cy/el/article/politika/paraitithike-o-ypex-kai-diekdikei-tin-proedria |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Stockwatch - Παράθυρο στην Οικονομία |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUzvln1RJbQ |title=Χριστοδουλίδης για Αβέρωφ: "Απαίτησε να παραιτηθώ αλλά δεν θέλω να φτάσουμε στα άκρα" |date=2022-10-23 |last=AlphaNews Live |access-date=2024-07-14 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=Κύπρος: Παραιτήθηκε από ΥΠΕΞ ο Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης – Εκδήλωσε ενδιαφέρον για τις προεδρικές εκλογές &#124; Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ |url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/world/561661615/kypros-paraitithike-apo-ypex-o-nikos-christdoylidis-ekdilose-endiaferon-gia-tis-proedrikes-ekloges/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109103239/https://www.kathimerini.gr/world/561661615/kypros-paraitithike-apo-ypex-o-nikos-christdoylidis-ekdilose-endiaferon-gia-tis-proedrikes-ekloges/ |archive-date=9 January 2022 |access-date=13 January 2022 |website=www.kathimerini.gr}}</ref>

[[Nikos Christodoulides]]' [[independent candidacy]] created significant turmoil within the Democratic Rally. [[Averof Neofytou]] referred to Christodoulides as a "traitor," alleging that he sought to divide the party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Χριστοδουλίδης: Όποιος μιλά για διάσπαση ΔΗΣΥ θα διαψευσθεί. Απάντηση στo "προδότης" |url=https://cyprustimes.com/proedrikes-ekloges-2023/christodoulidis-opoios-mila-gia-diaspasi-disy-tha-diapsefsthei-apantisi-sto-prodotis/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=cyprustimes.com |language=el}}</ref> DISY expelled Christodoulides from its party register and attempted to distance itself from him.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 January 2023 |title=Christodoulides struck from DISY party register |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/01/05/christodoulides-struck-from-disy-party-register/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=cyprus-mail.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Εκτός ΔΗΣΥ και με τη βούλα ο Χριστοδουλίδης και όσα μέλη τον στήριξαν |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2023/1/5/658982/ektos-desu-kai-me-te-boula-o-khristodoulides-kai-osa-mele-ton-sterixan/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Εκτός ΔΗΣΥ και με τη βούλα ο Χριστοδουλίδης και όσα μέλη τον στήριξαν |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Επιτελείο Αβέρωφ: "Ο αχταρμάς των κομμάτων που στηρίζουν Χριστοδουλίδη, δεν έχει ούτε αρχή, ούτε μέση, ούτε τέλος" |url=https://www.tothemaonline.com/Article/335647/epiteleio-aberwf-o-ahtarmas-twn-kommatwn-poy-sthrizoyn-hristodoylidh-den-ehei-oyte-arhh-oyte-mesh-oyte-telos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210103158/https://www.tothemaonline.com/Article/335647/epiteleio-aberwf-o-ahtarmas-twn-kommatwn-poy-sthrizoyn-hristodoylidh-den-ehei-oyte-arhh-oyte-mesh-oyte-telos |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=tothemaonline.com |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Διασταύρωσαν τα ξίφη τους οι τρεις βασικοί υποψήφιοι-Όσα έγιναν στο debate |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2022/10/5/671089/diastaurosan-ta-xiphe-tous-oi-treis-basikoi-upopsephioi-osa-eginan-sto-debate/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Διασταύρωσαν τα ξίφη τους οι τρεις βασικοί υποψήφιοι-Όσα έγιναν στο debate |language=en}}</ref> Despite this, Christodoulides, a prominent politician who secured official support from [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]],<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=ΔΗΚΟ: Το Εκτελεστικό Γραφείο εισηγείται στην ΚΕ τη στήριξη Νίκου Χριστοδουλίδη |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/diko-ektelestiko-grafeio-eisigeitai-stin-ke-ti-stirixi-nikoy-hristodoylidi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713213533/https://www.alphanews.live/politics/diko-ektelestiko-grafeio-eisigeitai-stin-ke-ti-stirixi-nikoy-hristodoylidi |archive-date=13 July 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022 |website=www.alphanews.live}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=26 June 2022 |title=Και επίσημα στην κούρσα των προεδρικών το ΔΗΚΟ με Νίκο Χριστοδουλίδη |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/kai-episima-stin-koyrsa-ton-proedrikon-diko-me-niko-hristodoylidi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714132931/https://www.alphanews.live/politics/kai-episima-stin-koyrsa-ton-proedrikon-diko-me-niko-hristodoylidi |archive-date=14 July 2022 |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=www.alphanews.live}}</ref> [[Movement for Social Democracy|EDEK]],<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |date=13 July 2022 |title=Ομόφωνα στήριξη του Νίκου Χριστοδουλίδη αποφάσισε το Πολιτικό Γραφείο της ΕΔΕΚ |url=https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/498736/omofona-stirixi-toy-nikoy-christodoylidi-apofasise-to-politiko-gafeio-tis-edek |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713182037/https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/498736/omofona-stirixi-toy-nikoy-christodoylidi-apofasise-to-politiko-gafeio-tis-edek |archive-date=13 July 2022 |access-date=13 July 2022 |website=www.politis.com.cy}}</ref> [[Democratic Front (Cyprus)|DIPA]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=15 October 2022 |title=Ο κύβος ερρίφθη - Με Χριστοδουλίδη η ΔΗΠΑ |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/proedrikes-2023/o-kybos-errifthi-me-xristodoylidi-i-dipa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015115609/https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/proedrikes-2023/o-kybos-errifthi-me-xristodoylidi-i-dipa |archive-date=15 October 2022 |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=www.kathimerini.com.cy}}</ref> and the DISY splinter party [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]],<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=31 August 2022 |title=Στηρίζει Χριστοδουλίδη η Αλληλεγγύη |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/stirizei-xristodoylidi-i-allileggyi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928074104/https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/stirizei-xristodoylidi-i-allileggyi |archive-date=28 September 2022 |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=www.kathimerini.com.cy}}</ref> led to a division among Democratic Rally voters. Early opinion polls indicated a near-even split among DISY supporters between Neofytou and Christodoulides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Δημοσκόπηση Alpha: Η σταθερή πρωτιά Χριστοδουλίδη και η μάχη Αβέρωφ-Μαυρογιάννη {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/dimoskopisi-alpha-i-statheri-protia-hristodoylidi-kai-i-mahi-aberof-mayrogianni |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Δημοσκόπηση Alpha: Σταθερή πρωτιά για Χριστοδουλίδη, μικρή αύξηση για Αβέρωφ {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/dimoskopisi-alpha-statheri-protia-gia-hristodoylidi-mikri-ayxisi-gia-aberof |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=OmegaLive |date=2022-10-06 |title=Προεδρικές 2023: Tα αποτελέσματα της μεγάλης δημοσκόπησης του OMEGA |url=https://omegalive.com.cy/proedrikes/%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B5%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%82-2023-t%CE%B1-%CE%B1%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%AD%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%B3%CE%AC%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%83%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%80%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-omega/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=OmegaLive |language=en}}</ref>

[[Nikos Christodoulides]] used to be the absolute favourite to win the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|election]], with approximately 50% of the public expressing support for him in May 2022, giving him a substantial 30-point lead over [[Averof Neofytou]] in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Δημοσκόπηση REPORTER: Η πρόθεση ψήφου Α γύρου, τα σενάρια του Β και το φαβορί |url=https://www.reporter.com.cy/proedrikes-2023/article/954023/dimoskopisi-reporter-i-prothesi-psifoy-a-groy-ta-senaria-toy-b-kai-to-fabori |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225144549/https://www.reporter.com.cy/proedrikes-2023/article/954023/dimoskopisi-reporter-i-prothesi-psifoy-a-groy-ta-senaria-toy-b-kai-to-fabori |archive-date=25 December 2022 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=ΡΕΠΟΡΤΕΡ}}</ref> Despite a decline in popularity over time, he retained a 6-point lead in the latest opinion polls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Οι "τρεις" στη ζυγαριά των αναποφάσιστων - Δημοσκόπηση Noverna για λογαριασμό του "Πολίτη" |url=https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/586507/politis-news/politiki/586507/oi-treis-sti-zygaria-ton-anapofasiston-dimoskopisi-noverna-gia-logariasmo-toy-politi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213035629/https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/586507/politis-news/politiki/586507/oi-treis-sti-zygaria-ton-anapofasiston-dimoskopisi-noverna-gia-logariasmo-toy-politi |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ}}</ref> Throughout his campaign, Christodoulides was generally hesitant to criticise the 10-year administration of [[Nicos Anastasiades]], often stating that his approach would focus on continuing successful policies while aiming to improve or abolish those that had not produced the desired outcomes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Χριστοδουλίδης: Ούτε υποψήφιος της αντιπολίτευσης, ούτε ακολουθώ την πεπατημένη |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/hristodoylidis-oyte-ypopsifios-tis-antipoliteysis-oyte-akoloytho-tin-pepatimeni |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210103203/https://www.alphanews.live/politics/hristodoylidis-oyte-ypopsifios-tis-antipoliteysis-oyte-akoloytho-tin-pepatimeni |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=AlphaNews.Live |language=el}}</ref>[[File:Christodoulides2019a.jpg|thumb|199x199px|[[Nikos Christodoulides]], Spokesman of [[Second Anastasiades government|Anastasiades' Government]] (2014-2018), [[List of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] (2018-2022) and [[Independent politician|Independent]] [[President of Cyprus]] (2023 - present)]]Nicos Christodoulides announced his intention to form a [[national unity government]], consisting of ministers from all political parties and free from [[political opposition]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης: Κυβέρνηση Εθνικής Ενότητας το διακύβευμα της επόμενης μέρας (βίντεο) |url=https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/556730/politis-news/politiki/556730/nikos-christodoylidis-kyvernisi-ethnikis-enotitas-to-diakyvevma-tis-epomenis-meras-vinteo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213035618/https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/556730/politis-news/politiki/556730/nikos-christodoylidis-kyvernisi-ethnikis-enotitas-to-diakyvevma-tis-epomenis-meras-vinteo |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ}}</ref> This proposal was promptly rejected by Averof Neofytou, who stated that the Democratic Rally would not participate in any government led by Christodoulides and, should DISY lose the election, the responsible course of action would be to respect the will of the electorate and assume a constructive role in opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Αβέρωφ: Αν εκλεγεί ο Νίκος, ο ΔΗΣΥ θα είναι αντιπολίτευση {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/aberof-eklegei-o-nikos-o-disy-tha-einai-antipoliteysi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210103210/https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/aberof-eklegei-o-nikos-o-disy-tha-einai-antipoliteysi |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}}</ref>

During the Democratic Rally's contentious [[Political campaign|presidential campaign]], a significant portion of party members expressed support for [[Nikos Christodoulides]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ξανά μέλη του ΔΗΣΥ όσοι στήριξαν Νίκο Χριστοδουλίδη {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/xana-meli-toy-disy-osoi-stirixan-niko-hristodoylidi |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref> There were even allegations that [[President of Cyprus|President]] [[Nicos Anastasiades]] was covertly undermining [[Averof Neofytou]]'s candidacy in favor of Christodoulides.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-04-29 |title=Συνέδριο ΔΗΣΥ: Προσπάθεια Αναστασιάδη να αντικρούσει τα περί υπόσκαψης του Αβέρωφ {{!}} Dialogos |url=https://dialogos.com.cy/synedrio-disy-prospatheia-anastasiadi-na-antikroysei-ta-peri-yposkapsis-averof/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Κάθονται μαζί για να ξορκίσουν τις σκιές Αναστασιάδης και Αβέρωφ |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2022/11/2/667657/kathontai-mazi-gia-na-xorkisoun-tis-skies-anastasiades-kai-aberoph/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Κάθονται μαζί για να ξορκίσουν τις σκιές Αναστασιάδης και Αβέρωφ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2022 |title=Νέες παρενέργειες προκαλεί στην υποψηφιότητα Αβέρωφ ο Αναστασιάδης |url=https://politis.com.cy/570155/article}}</ref> This internal division intensified, leading influential figures, including former parliamentary candidates [[Pantelis Poietis]] and [[Konstantinos Letybiotis]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-01 |title=Ο Κωνσταντίνος Λετυμπιώτης απαντά σε ερωτήσεις πολιτών, βίντεο |url=https://pafoslive.com.cy/%ce%bf-%ce%ba%cf%89%ce%bd%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b1%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%af%ce%bd%ce%bf%cf%82-%ce%bb%ce%b5%cf%84%cf%85%ce%bc%cf%80%ce%b9%cf%8e%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%82-%ce%b1%cf%80%ce%b1%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%ac-%cf%83%ce%b5/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Pafos Live |language=el}}</ref> to resign from DISY and endorse Christodoulides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-09 |title=Άρχισαν να εγκαταλείπουν τον ΔΗΣΥ και τον Αβέρωφ και να στηρίζουν τον Χριστοδουλίδη: Αποχώρησε και ο υποψήφιος βουλευτής Παντελής Ποιητής… |url=https://hellasjournal.com/2022/09/archisan-na-egkatalipoun-ton-disi-ke-ton-averof-na-stirizoun-ton-christodoulidi-apochorise-ke-o-pantelis-piitis/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Hellasjournal.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=editor |first=aftodioikisi |date=2022-08-08 |title=Κωνσταντίνος Λετυμπιώτης: Παραιτήθηκε από το Πολιτικό Γραφείο του ΔΗΣΥ και στηρίζει Χριστοδουλίδη |url=https://www.aftodioikisi.com.cy/%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%BB%CE%B5%CF%84%CF%85%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%8E%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%AE%CE%B8%CE%B7/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=aftodioikisi |language=en}}</ref>

[[Averof Neofytou]] finished third in the first round of the election, receiving 26.1% of the votes, the lowest share in the history of the Democratic Rally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_elections_2023_154/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2023: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref> This outcome marked the first instance in which a DISY candidate did not advance to the second round of a presidential election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Πρώτη φορά στην ιστορία μένει εκτός Β΄γύρου ο ΔΗΣΥ {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/proti-fora-stin-istoria-menei-ektos-bgyroy-o-disy |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}}</ref> In the second round, DISY opted not to endorse any candidate officially, although several prominent party members expressed their support.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Κύπρος: Ο β' γύρος των προεδρικών εκλογών "τριχοτόμησε" τον ΔΗΣΥ |url=https://www.protothema.gr/politics/article/1338029/kupros-o-v-guros-ton-proedrikon-eklogon-trihotomise-ton-disu/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=ProtoThema |language=el}}</ref> Notable endorsements for [[Nikos Christodoulides]] came from [[President of Cyprus|President]] [[Nicos Anastasiades]], Education Minister [[Prodromos Prodromou]], former Health Minister [[Constantinos Ioannou]], and Parliamentary Spokesperson [[Nicos Tornaritis]]. In contrast, [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]]-backed [[Andreas Mavroyiannis]] received backing from [[Averof Neofytou]], Foreign Minister [[Ioannis Kasoulidis]], and former [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Kaiti Clerides]], the daughter of party founder [[Glafcos Clerides|Glafkos Clerides]].<ref name=":9" />

The second round of the election resulted in an equal division among the DISY electorate between [[Andreas Mavroyiannis]] and [[Nikos Christodoulides]], the latter of whom was viewed by some, including [[Averof Neofytou]], as a "renegade".<ref>{{Cite web |last=root |date=2023-02-12 |title=Κυπριακές εκλογές: Η ακτινογραφία της ψήφου στον δεύτερο γύρο |url=https://www.ot.gr/2023/02/12/epikairothta/kypriakes-ekloges-i-aktinografia-tis-psifou-ston-deytero-gyro/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Οικονομικός Ταχυδρόμος - ot.gr |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-13 |title=Εκλογολόγος αναλύει το αποτέλεσμα Κυριακής. "Αποδυνάμωση 2 μεγάλων κομμάτων" |url=https://cyprustimes.com/proedrikes-ekloges-2023/eklogologos-analyei-to-apotelesma-kyriakis-apodynamosi-2-megalon-kommaton/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=cyprustimes.com |language=el}}</ref> Nikos Christodoulides ultimately won the election with 52.0% of the vote in the second round,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/greek/presidential_runoff_elections_2023_157/islandwide|title=Προεδρικές Εκλογές 2023 επαναληπτική εκλογή: Επίσημα Αποτελέσματα}}</ref> incorporating a faction of DISY members into his government.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=O ΔΗΣΥ αναζητεί τον ρόλο του ως αντιπολίτευση |url=https://politis.com.cy/640226/apopseis/stiles/640226/o-disy-anazitei-ton-rolo-toy-os-antipolitefsi |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ}}</ref>{{wide image|Split of DISY Voters in the First Round of the 2023 Cypriot Presidential Elections.png|400px|Chart demonstrating how voters who supported DISY in the [[2021 Cypriot legislative election]] cast their votes in the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential election]].}}

=== 2023 – present: A disoriented opposition to Christodoulides' administration ===
[[File:Annita Demetriou visits Ireland, June 2023 01 (cropped).jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Annita Demetriou]], President of the Democratic Rally (2023-present) and President of the [[House of Representatives (Cyprus)|House of Representatives]] (2021-present).|left]]Following the defeat in the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential election]] and the internal divisions resulting from [[Nikos Christodoulides]]' [[independent candidacy]], three politicians announced their intention to run for the presidency of the Democratic Rally. [[Averof Neofytou]], seeking a third term, was set to compete against former [[List of Ministers of Finance of Cyprus|Minister of Finance]] [[Harris Georgiades|Harris Georgiadis]] and [[Member of parliament|MP]] [[Demetris Demetriou (politician)|Demetris Demetriou]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Αβέρωφ, Δημητρίου, Χάρης στη μάχη για την Προεδρία του ΔΗΣΥ {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/aberof-vs-dimitrioy-erotimatiko-o-haris-ektos-o-noyris |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref> However, to prevent further conflicts, both Neofytou and Georgiadis withdrew their candidacies and endorsed [[Annita Demetriou]], the President of the [[House of Representatives (Cyprus)|House of Representatives]], as a unity candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 2023 |title=Έτοιμη για την προεδρία του ΔΗΣΥ η Αννίτα, μόνο αν αποσυρθεί ο Αβέρωφ |url=https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/596819/etoimi-gia-tin-proedria-toy-disy-i-annita-mono-an-aposyrthei-o-averof}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-21 |title=Αποσύρεται ο Αβέρωφ και υποστηρίζει Αννίτα! |url=https://balla.com.cy/2023/02/aposyretai-o-averof-kai-ypostirizei-annita/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=Τέλος εποχής για τον Αβέρωφ: Απέσυρε υποψηφιότητα με τις λέξεις "αξιοπρέπεια, ευθύνη, ενότητα" |url=https://politis.com.cy/politis-news/politiki/597236/telos-epochis-gia-ton-averof-epivevaiose-aposyrsi-me-axioprepeia-efthyni-enotita}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicolaou |first=stephanie |date=2023-02-21 |title=Υποβολή υποψηφιότητας κατέθεσε η Αννίτα Δημητρίου |url=https://ekloges.disy.cy/ypovoli-katathese-annita-dimitriou/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=ΔΗΣΥ |language=el}}</ref> Annita Demetriou, recognised for her strong reputation and broad multi-party acceptance,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Αννίτα και πάσης Κύπρου - "Μακαριακά" ποσοστά σε έρευνα για την πρόεδρο του ΔΗΣΥ |url=https://politis.com.cy/659847/politis-news/politiki/659847/annita-kai-pasis-kyproy-makariaka-pososta-se-erevna-gia-tin-proedro-toy-disy |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Δημητριάδη |first=Ραφαέλα |date=2024-03-10 |title=ΔΗΜΟΣΚΟΠΗΣΗ "Φ": Πρώτη με διαφορά η Αννίτα – Στεφάνου και Περδίκης με θετικό πρόσημο |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1447208/dimoskopisi-f-proti-me-diafora-i-annita-stefanou-ke-perdikis-me-thetiko-prosimo/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Φιλελεύθερος {{!}} Philenews |language=el}}</ref> ultimately defeated Demetris Demetriou, winning the presidency of DISY with 69.2% of the votes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=OmegaLive |date=2023-03-11 |title=Εκλογές ΔΗΣΥ: Σαρωτική νίκη Αννίτας - Τα ποσοστά |url=https://omegalive.com.cy/politikh/ekloges-desu-sarotiki-nike-annitas-ta-pososta/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=OmegaLive |language=en}}</ref>

Despite the party's official stance as 'responsible [[Parliamentary opposition|opposition]]',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Αννίτα Δημητρίου: Ο ΔΗΣΥ θα παραμείνει σοβαρή και υπεύθυνη αντιπολίτευση |url=https://news.rik.cy/article/2023/9/10/annita-demetriou-o-desu-tha-parameinei-sobare-kai-upeuthune-antipoliteuse/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Αννίτα Δημητρίου: Ο ΔΗΣΥ θα παραμείνει σοβαρή και υπεύθυνη αντιπολίτευση |language=en}}</ref> many view DISY's role as ambiguous and uncertain. A substantial number of [[Nikos Christodoulides|Christodoulides]]' ministers are active members of DISY,<ref name=":10" /> and the party has shown significant support for the president in parliament. A notable example is the 2024 National Budget, where DISY made fewer [[amendment]]s than the governing parties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ΔΗΣΥ - 'υπεύθυνη αντιπολίτευση': Έκανε πιο λίγες τροπολογίες απ' ότι η συγκυβέρνηση… {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/apopseis/efetis/disy-ypeythyni-antipoliteysi-ekane-pio-liges-tropologies-ap-oti-i-sygkybernisi |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}}</ref> This perceived balancing act has led to public dissatisfaction with the party's role as opposition to the unpopular [[Christodoulides government|Christodoulides administration]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Δημοσκόπηση REPORTER: Comme ci comme ça συμπολίτευση και αντιπολίτευση στα μάτια των πολιτών |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2023/9/27/734052/demoskopese-reporter-comme-ci-comme-ca-sumpoliteuse-kai-antipoliteuse-sta-matia-ton-politon/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Δημοσκόπηση REPORTER: Comme ci comme ça συμπολίτευση και αντιπολίτευση στα μάτια των πολιτών |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 March 2024 |title=ΔΗΜΟΣΚΟΠΗΣΗ "Φ": Στο κόκκινο η αξιολόγηση του Προέδρου Χριστοδουλίδη – Κατρακυλάει η δημοτικότητά του (πίνακες) |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1444765/dimoskopisi-f-sto-kokkino-i-axiologisi-tou-proedrou-christodoulidi-katrakilai-i-dimotikotita-tou/}}</ref>

In preparation for the [[2024 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2024 European Parliament Election]], DISY carried out an internal election to choose its six candidates. Nine personalities announced their interest for the election, with former Health Minister [[Michalis Hatzipantelas]] emerging as the top candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aftodioikisi |date=2024-02-02 |title=Εννέα υποψήφιοι στον ΔΗΣΥ για τις Ευρωεκλογές 2024 |url=https://www.aftodioikisi.com.cy/%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%BD%CE%AD%CE%B1-%CF%85%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%88%CE%AE%CF%86%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BD-%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%83%CF%85-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%82-%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%81%CF%89/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=aftodioikisi |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ο ΔΗΣΥ ανακοίνωσε τους έξι υποψήφιους Ευρωβουλευτές του |url=https://economytoday.sigmalive.com/oikonomia/kypros/76320_o-disy-anakoinose-toys-exi-ypopsifioys-eyrovoyleytes-toy |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Economy Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Με ανατροπή τα αποτελέσματα για το ψηφοδέλτιο του ΔΗΣΥ στις Ευρωεκλογές-Ποιοι έκοψαν το νήμα |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2024/2/10/758387/me-anatrope-ta-apotelesmata-gia-to-psephodeltio-tou-desu-stis-euroekloges-poioi-mpainoun-sto-psephodeltio/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Με ανατροπή τα αποτελέσματα για το ψηφοδέλτιο του ΔΗΣΥ στις Ευρωεκλογές-Ποιοι έκοψαν το νήμα |language=en}}</ref>

[[Marios Pelekanos]], one of the three vice presidents of the Democratic Rally, finished second to last in the internal election and was not included in the list of six nominees. Pelekanos expressed profound dissatisfaction and subsequently resigned from his position within the party leadership, citing a series of underlying events that had undermined his standing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Δημητριάδη |first=Ραφαέλα |date=2024-02-12 |title=Παραιτήθηκε από Αντιπρόεδρος του ΔΗΣΥ ο Μάριος Πελεκάνος – "Η αξιοπρέπειά μου δεν μου επιτρέπει να συνεχίσω" |url=https://www.philenews.com/sizitiete/article/1437666/paretithike-apo-antiproedros-tou-disi-o-marios-pelekanos-i-axioprepia-mou-den-mou-epitrepi-na-sinechiso/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Φιλελεύθερος {{!}} Philenews |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Παραιτήθηκε από Αντιπρόεδρος του ΔΗΣΥ ο Μάριος Πελεκάνος |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/paraitithike-apo-antiproedros-toy-disy-o-marios-pelekanos |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref> After multi-day discussions with [[ELAM (Cyprus)|ELAM]], on March 22, 2024, it was announced that he would run in the [[Elections to the European Parliament|European Elections]] as a candidate of the [[Ultranationalism|ultranationalist]] party. The leader of DISY, [[Annita Demetriou]], harshly condemned this move, and the [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]] party proceeded by deleting Pelekanos from its register, emphasising the vast differences in politics between the two parties.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Στο ΕΛΑΜ ο Πελεκάνος - Η διαγραφή από τον ΔΗΣΥ και η αιχμηρή απάντηση Αννίτας |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/ekleise-o-marios-pelekanos-%E2%80%93-ypopsifios-eyroboyleytis-me-elam |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Το παρασκήνιο της υποψηφιότητας Πελεκάνου με το ΕΛΑΜ {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/paraskinio-tis-ypopsifiotitas-pelekanoy-me-elam |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref> Marios Pelekanos, who had also held the position of government spokesperson in [[Second Anastasiades government|Anastasiades' administration]] from 2021 to 2023, became the Press Representative of [[ELAM (Cyprus)|ELAM]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Καθήκοντα Εκπροσώπου Τύπου του ΕΛΑΜ αναλαμβάνει ο Πελεκάνος {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/kathikonta-ekprosopoy-typoy-toy-elam-analambanei-o-pelekanos |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref>

Despite numerous challenges, including the candidacy of [[Marios Pelekanos]] with [[ELAM (Cyprus)|ELAM]],<ref name=":33" /> [[Eleni Theocharous]] (leader of the splinter [[Solidarity Movement (Cyprus)|Solidarity Movement]]) with [[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|DIKO]],<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Ελένη Θεοχάρους στην "Κ": Θα είμαι υποψήφια στις ευρωεκλογές με το ΔΗΚΟ |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/eleni-theoxaroys-stin-k-tha-eimai-ypopsifia-stis-eyroekloges-me-to-diko |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-08 |title=Οι 6 του ΔΗΚΟ για Ευρωεκλογές. Στο ψηφοδέλτιο Θεοχάρους και Κωστρίκης |url=https://cyprustimes.com/politiki/oi-6-tou-diko-gia-evroekloges-sto-psifodeltio-theocharous-kai-kostrikis/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=cyprustimes.com |language=el}}</ref> and [[Pantelis Poietis]] (former DISY [[Member of parliament|MP]] candidate) with [[Democratic Alignment (Cyprus)|DIPA]],<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Παντελής Ποιητής: Παραιτείται από ΔΗΣΥ και στηρίζει Χριστοδουλίδη |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/pantelis-poiitis-paraiteitai-apo-disy-kai-ypostirizei-xristodoylidi |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref name=":62">{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Παντελής Ποιητής συζητείται για ευρωψηφοδέλτιο ΔΗ.ΠΑ |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/pantelis-poiitis-syziteitai-gia-eyropsifodeltio-di-pa |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref name=":72">{{Cite news |date=3 April 2024 |title=Αυτοί είναι 6 υποψήφιοι Ευρωβουλευτές της ΔΗΠΑ - Βιογραφικά και Φωτογραφίες |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/politiki/ekloges-2024/aytoi-einai-6-ypopsifioi-eyroboyleytes-tis-dipa-biografika-kai-fotografies |work=Offsite News}}</ref> as well as many corruption scandals from [[Second Anastasiades government|Anastasiades' administration]]<ref name=":8"/><ref name=":022">{{Cite web |last=IRPI |first=OCCRP and |title=Bank Records Link President of Cyprus to 'Troika Laundromat' |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/troikalaundromat/bank-records-link-president-of-cyprus-to-troika-laundromat |access-date=2019-08-30 |website=OCCRP |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 October 2020 |title=Τον πρόεδρο Αναστασιάδη αγγίζουν τα "χρυσά" διαβατήρια |url=https://www.documentonews.gr/article/ton-proedro-anastasiadh-aggizoyn-ta-xrysa-diabathria}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |date=2019-10-23 |title=Cyprus to probe how Cambodian elite obtained EU passports |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-hunsen-wealth-cyprus-idUSKBN1X21BJ |access-date=2019-11-04 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalby |first=Chris |date=2019-10-21 |title=Money Laundering May Have Fueled Luxury US Lifestyle of Hugo Chavez's Daughter |url=https://www.insightcrime.org/news/brief/maria-gabriela-chavez-money-laundering-us/ |access-date=2019-11-08 |website=InSight Crime |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title='Cyprus Confidential' implicates Anastasiades, service providers in illicit financial transactions |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-confidential-implicates-anastasiades-service-providers-in-illicit-financial-transactions/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and widespread dissatisfaction with DISY's role as the main opposition in [[Christodoulides government|Christodoulides' government]],<ref name=":10" /> the [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]] party managed to achieve another first-place finish, maintaining its two seats in the [[European Parliament]]. However, the 24.8% of the popular vote is the worst result in the party's history, significantly lower than the 29% in the [[2019 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2019 election]] and the 37.8% in the [[2014 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2014 election]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Μια πύρρειος νίκη για τον ΔΗΣΥ και οι αμείλικτοι αριθμοί που δείχνουν ήττα-Η διπλή ανάγνωση του αποτελέσματος |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2024/6/11/780114/kategrapse-to-khamelotero-pososto-apo-to-2000-apolese-8000-psephous-ekhase-tous-megalous-demous-alla-nikese-o-desu/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Μια πύρρειος νίκη για τον ΔΗΣΥ και οι αμείλικτοι αριθμοί που δείχνουν ήττα-Η διπλή ανάγνωση του αποτελέσματος |language=en}}</ref>

==== Anastasiades–Neofytou dispute ====
In a podcast on July 8, 2024, former President [[Nicos Anastasiades]] criticised [[Averof Neofytou]]'s campaign for the [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023 presidential elections]], suggesting that his detachment from the sentiments of DISY supporters contributed to the party's defeat. Anastasiades also questioned Neofytou's perceived alignment with the [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]]-backed candidate, [[Andreas Mavroyiannis]], in the second round of the election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Βολές Αναστασιάδη σε Αβέρωφ: "Δεν θέλω να ασχολούμαι με πικραμένους" |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/boles-anastasiadi-se-aberof-den-thelo-na-asxoloymai-me-pikramenoys |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Αναστασιάδης VS Αβέρωφ: Το podcast που άναψε φωτιές και η αναφορά σε "πικραμένο" {{!}} AlphaNews.Live |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/anastasiadis-vs-aberof-podcast-poy-anapse-foties-kai-i-anafora-se-pikrameno |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=www.alphanews.live |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-09 |title=Αναστασιάδης για Αβέρωφ: "Δεν θέλω να ασχολούμαι με πικραμένους" |url=https://cyprustimes.com/politiki/anastasiadis-gia-averof-den-thelo-na-ascholoumai-me-pikramenous/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |language=el}}</ref>

Anastasiades' remark, "I don't want to bother with bitter people", directed at Averof Neofytou, elicited a strong response from Neofytou on Twitter. Neofytou responded by stating that those who are "bitter" are the thousands who once trusted Anastasiades, along with broader criticisms of Anastasiades' handling of the [[Cyprus problem]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-09 |title=Απάντηση Αβέρωφ σε Αναστασιάδη: "Πικραμένοι είναι οι χιλιάδες που σ’ εμπιστεύτηκαν κάποτε" |url=https://cyprustimes.com/politiki/apantisi-averof-se-anastasiadi-pikramenoi-einai-oi-chiliades-pou-s-ebisteftikan-kapote/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 July 2024 |title=Σκληρή απάντηση Αβέρωφ σε Αναστασιάδη: "Πικραμένοι είναι οι χιλιάδες που σ’ εμπιστεύτηκαν κάποτε…" |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1488338/skliri-apantisi-averof-se-anastasiadi-pikrameni-ine-i-chiliades-pou-s-empisteftikan-kapote/}}</ref>

==== Demetriou–Neofytou dispute ====
[[File:Assets_gallery_4225_59957.jpg|right|thumb|The inauguration ceremony of the [[Great Sea Interconnector|Interconnector]], hosted by President [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]] at the [[Presidential Palace, Nicosia|Presidential Palace]] in Nicosia in 2022.]]
The [[Great Sea Interconnector]] is a planned [[HVDC interconnector]] between the [[Greece|Greek]], [[Cyprus|Cypriot]], and [[Israel]]i [[power grid]]s via the world’s longest [[submarine power cable]].<ref name="reuters230112">{{cite news |last1=Kambas |first1=Michele |date=2012-01-23 |title=Cyprus group plans Greece-Israel electricity link |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/electricity-mediterranean-cable-idAFL5E8CN25B20120123 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306104604/http://uk.reuters.com/article/electricity-mediterranean-cable-idAFL5E8CN25B20120123 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=2012-03-09 |work=[[Reuters]] |quote=A Cyprus-based group including Greece's state-controlled power utility PPC said on Monday it planned to lay the world's longest subsea power cable linking Europe and Asia.}}</ref><ref name="EA">{{Cite web |title=EuroAsia Interconnector Project and Progress |url=http://www.euroasia-interconnector.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/EuroAsia_Interconnector_Project_and_Progress_English.pdf |work=euroasia-interconnector.com}}</ref> The project has received support from the Democratic Rally. However, in late August 2024, [[Averof Neofytou]] expressed opposition to advancing any energy projects before resolving the [[Cyprus problem]], and he questioned whether the interconnection will actually reduce energy bills in [[Cyprus]]. This stance led to a conflict with DISY President [[Annita Demetriou]], who has strongly supported the project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Σύγκρουση Αννίτας – Αβέρωφ για τον Great Sea Interconnector {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/sygkroysi-annitas-aberof-gia-ton-great-sea-interconnector |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=Συνδέει ζητήματα ενέργειας με το Κυπριακό ο Αβέρωφ – Τοποθέτηση μετά τη συζήτηση στη Βουλή |url=https://cyprustimes.com/politiki/syndeei-zitimata-energeias-me-to-kypriako-o-averof-topothetisi-meta-ti-syzitisi-sti-vouli/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |language=el}}</ref> Averof Neofytou, along with [[Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis]], remains among the only two DISY [[Member of parliament|MPs]] opposing the interconnection, which has been primarily developed during the presidency of [[Nicos Anastasiades]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 September 2024 |title=Έμειναν μόνοι στον ΔΗΣΥ Αβέρωφ – Χατζηγιάννης |url=https://www.philenews.com/oikonomia/kafti-grammi/article/1505255/eminan-moni-ston-disi-averof-chatzigiannis/}}</ref>

In September 2024, when asked whether [[Averof Neofytou]] could again be the party's candidate for the [[2028 Cypriot presidential election|2028 presidential election]]—following his expressed interest—[[Annita Demetriou]] responded that Neofytou had already been tested in [[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023]], and respecting the public's verdict, DISY should now move forward for the good of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=«Δεν κοιμάμαι και ξυπνώ για το 2028»-Με σπόντες για Αβέρωφ τοποθετήθηκε η Αννίτα για τις Προεδρικές |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2024/9/11/795176/den-koimamai-kai-xupno-gia-to-2028-me-spontes-gia-aberoph-topothetetheke-e-annita-gia-tis-proedrikes/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=«Δεν κοιμάμαι και ξυπνώ για το 2028»-Με σπόντες για Αβέρωφ τοποθετήθηκε η Αννίτα για τις Προεδρικές |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solutions |first=BDigital Web |title=Αννίτα για Προεδρικές Εκλογές - «Δεν κοιμάμαι και ξυπνώ για το 2028» |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/politiki/annita-gia-proedrikes-ekloges-den-koimamai-kai-xypnw-gia-to-2028 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Kathimerini.com.cy |language=el}}</ref>

==Election results==
===Parliament===
In the [[2006 Cypriot legislative election|legislative elections of 21 May 2006]], the party won 30.52% of the popular vote and 18 out of 56 available seats, and in the [[2011 Cypriot legislative election|legislative elections of 22 May 2011]], the party won 34.27% of the popular vote and 20 out of 56 available seats.<ref>{{cite web | last1= | first1= | last2= | first2= | title=Republic of Cyprus — Parliamentary Elections 22 May 2011 — OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report | url=https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/f/c/82242.pdf | date=7 September 2011 | work=[[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] | access-date=12 June 2021}}</ref> The party's candidate, [[Nicos Anastasiades]], won the [[2013 Cypriot presidential election|2013 presidential elections]], ending five years of rule by the [[Progressive Party of Working People]] (AKEL).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/24/cyprus-votes-new-president|title=Greek Cypriots elect Nicos Anastasiades as president|date=February 24, 2013|website=the Guardian}}</ref> In the [[2016 Cypriot legislative election|legislative elections of 2016]], the party won 30.68%, taking 18 seats in the parliament and remaining the party with the largest representation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyprus-election-idUSKCN0YD0R4|title=Cyprus parliamentary vote puts far-right in parliament|first=Michele|last=Kambas|newspaper=Reuters |date=May 22, 2016|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|+ [[House of Representatives (Cyprus)|House of Representatives]]
! rowspan=2| Election
! colspan=3| Votes
! colspan=2| Seats
|-
! style="width:50px"| #
! style="width:50px"| %
! style="width:50px"| Rank
! style="width:50px"| #
! style="width:50px"| ±
|-
![[1976 Cypriot legislative election|1976]]
|485,332
|28.1
|2nd
| style="text-align:right;" | {{Composition bar compact|0|35|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}}
|new
|-
! [[1981 Cypriot legislative election|1981]]
| 92,886
| 31.9
| 2nd
| style="text-align:right;" | {{Composition bar compact|12|35|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{increase}} 12
|-
! [[1985 Cypriot legislative election|1985]]
| 107,223
| 33.6
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|19|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{increase}} 7
|-
! [[1991 Cypriot legislative election|1991]]
| 122,495
| 35.8
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|20|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{increase}} 1
|-
! [[1996 Cypriot legislative election|1996]]
| 127,380
| 34.5
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|20|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{steady}} 0
|-
! [[2001 Cypriot legislative election|2001]]
| 139,721
| 34.0
| 2nd
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|19|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 1
|-
! [[2006 Cypriot legislative election|2006]]
| 127,776
| 30.3
| 2nd
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|18|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 1
|-
! [[2011 Cypriot legislative election|2011]]
| 138,682
| 34.3
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|20|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{increase}} 2
|-
! [[2016 Cypriot legislative election|2016]]
| 107,824
| 30.7
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|18|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 2
|-
! [[2021 Cypriot legislative election|2021]]
| 99,328
| 27.8
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|17|56|{{party color|Democratic Rally}}}}
| {{decrease}} 1
|}

===European Parliament===

{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|+ [[European Parliament]]
! rowspan=2| Election
! colspan=3| Votes
! colspan=2| Seats
|-
! style="width:50px"| #
! style="width:50px"| %
! style="width:50px"| Rank
! style="width:50px"| #
! style="width:50px"| ±
|-
! [[2004 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2004]]
| 94,355
| 28.23
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|2|6|{{party color|Democratic Rally }}}} 
| new
|-
! [[2009 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2009]]
| 109,209
| 35.65
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|2|6|{{party color|Democratic Rally }}}} 
| {{steady}} 0
|-
! [[2014 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2014]]
| 97,732
| 37.75
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|2|6|{{party color|Democratic Rally }}}} 
| {{steady}} 0
|-
! [[2019 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2019]]
| 81,539
| 29.02
| 1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|2|6|{{party color|Democratic Rally }}}} 
| {{steady}} 0
|-
![[2024 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2024]]
|91,316
|24.78
|1st
| style="text-align:right;"| {{Composition bar compact|2|6|{{party color|Democratic Rally }}}} 
|{{steady}} 0
|}

=== Presidential elections ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:100%;line-height:20px;&quot;"
|+Presidential Elections
! rowspan="2" width="50" |Year
! rowspan="2" |Candidate
!
! colspan="3" width="100" |1st Round
! colspan="3" width="100" |2nd Round
! rowspan="2" |Elected
|-
!
! width="50" |Votes
! width="50" |%
!Result
! width="50" |Votes
! width="50" |%
!Results
|-
![[1978 Cypriot presidential election|1978]]
|[[Spyros Kyprianou]] 
<small>([[Democratic Party (Cyprus)|Democratic Party]]</small>)
|[[File:Spyros Kyprianou UN (cropped).jpg|107x107px]]
| colspan="6" | ''no opponent''
|{{ya}}
|-
![[1983 Cypriot presidential election|1983]]
| rowspan="5" |[[Glafcos Clerides]]
| rowspan="5" |[[File:Kliridis.jpg|124x124px]]
|104.294
|33,9
| {{no|2nd place}}
| colspan="3" | ''Lost in first round''
|{{na}}
|-
![[1988 Cypriot presidential election|1988]]
|111.504
|33,3
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|157,228
|48,4
| {{no|2nd place}}
|{{na}}
|-
![[1993 Cypriot presidential election|1993]]
|130.663
|36,7
| {{no|2nd place}}
|178.945
|50,3
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|{{ya}}
|-
![[1998 Cypriot presidential election|1998]]
|158.763
|40,1
| {{no|2nd place}}
|206.879
|50,8
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|{{ya}}
|-
![[2003 Cypriot presidential election|2003]]
|160.724
|38,8
| {{no|2nd place}}
| colspan="3" | ''Lost in first round''
|{{na}}
|-
![[2008 Cypriot presidential election|2008]]
|[[Ioannis Kasoulidis]]
|[[File:Иоаннис Касулидис.jpg|122x122px]]
|150.996
|33,51
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|210.195
|46,63
| {{no|2nd place}}
|{{na}}
|-
![[2013 Cypriot presidential election|2013]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Nicos Anastasiades]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Nicos Anastasiades, November 2022 (ABG GPO1).jpeg|112x112px]]
|200.591
|45,46
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|236.965
|57,48
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|{{ya}}
|-
![[2018 Cypriot presidential election|2018]]
|137.231
|35,50
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|215.281
|55,99
| {{yes|'''1st place'''}}
|{{ya}}
|-
![[2023 Cypriot presidential election|2023]]
|[[Averof Neofytou]]
|[[File:Averof Neofytou 2022 cropped.jpg|85x85px]]
|103.748
|26.11
| {{no|3rd place}}
| colspan="3" |''Didn't qualify''
|{{na}}
|}

== Party leaders ==
{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center;"
|-
! colspan=2|No.
! Leader
! Portrait
! colspan=2|Term of office
!Key Events
! [[President of Cyprus|President]]
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Democratic Rally}}; color:white;" |
! 1
| [[Glafcos Clerides]]
<small>(1919-2013)</small>
| [[File:Kliridis.jpg|175x175px]]
| 1976
| 1993
|
* [[1978 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[1981 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[1983 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[1985 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[1988 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[1991 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[1993 Cypriot presidential election]]
| 1993–2003
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Democratic Rally}}; color:white;" |
! 2
| [[Yiannakis Matsis]]
<small>(born 1933)</small>
|[[File:Matsis.jpg|148x148px]]
| 1993
| 1997
|
* [[1996 Cypriot legislative election]]
|
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Democratic Rally}}; color:white;" |
! 3
| [[Nicos Anastasiades]]
<small>(born 1946)</small>
| [[File:Nicos Anastasiades, November 2022 (ABG GPO1).jpeg|159x159px]]
| 1997
| 2013
|
* [[1998 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[2001 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[2003 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[2004 Cypriot Annan Plan referendums|2004 Annan Plan referendum]]
* [[2004 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2004 European Parliament election]]
* [[2006 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[2008 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[2009 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2009 European Parliament election]]
* [[2011 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[2013 Cypriot presidential election]]
| 2013–2023
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Democratic Rally}}; color:white;" |
! 4
| [[Averof Neofytou]]
<small>(born 1961)</small>
| [[File:Averof Neofytou 2022 cropped.jpg|122x122px]]
| 2013
| 2023
|
* [[2014 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2014 European Parliament election]]
* [[2016 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[2018 Cypriot presidential election]]
* [[2019 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2019 European Parliament election]]
* [[2021 Cypriot legislative election]]
* [[2023 Cypriot presidential election]]
|
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Democratic Rally}}; color:white;" |
!5
|[[Annita Demetriou]]
<small>(born 1985)</small>
|[[File:Annita Demetriou visits Ireland, June 2023 01 (cropped).jpg|163x163px]]
|2023
|incumbent
|
* [[2024 European Parliament election in Cyprus|2024 European Parliament election]]
|
|}

==See also==
* [[Reduction of military conscription in Cyprus]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |author=Neophytos Loizides |title=Transformations of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot Right: Right-wing Peace-makers? |work=Beyond a Divided Cyprus: A State and Society in Transformation |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2012 |pages=185–201 |isbn=9780230338548}}

==External links==
*{{Official website}}
*[http://www.nedisy.org Nedisy.org], Youth branch

{{Cypriotic political parties}}
{{International Democrat Union}}
{{European People's Party}}

[[Category:Democratic Rally| ]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1976]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Christian democratic parties in Europe]]
[[Category:International Democracy Union member parties]]
[[Category:Liberal conservative parties]]
[[Category:Political parties in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Member parties of the European People's Party]]
[[Category:Pro-European political parties in Cyprus]]