1. Averof Neofytou is a Cypriot politician, who was the President of the then-ruling Democratic Rally party from 2013 to 2023, and currently serves as Member of the House of Representatives since 2006, having previously served in the position from 1996 to 1999.
Averof Neofytou stepped down from the party presidency shortly after the vote, and was succeeded by Annita Demetriou.
Averof Neofytou was born in Argaka, Paphos, in a non-political family.
Averof Neofytou completed his secondary education in the public school of Polis Chrysochous in Paphos.
Averof Neofytou studied Economics and Accountancy at the New York Institute of Technology.
In 1999, Averof Neofytou was appointed Minister of Transport and Works in the government of Glafcos Clerides, a position he held until 2003.
Averof Neofytou is currently the leader of the delegation of the House to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Averof Neofytou is the leader of the delegation of the House to the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union.
In May 2013, Averof Neofytou was elected President of DISY, succeeding President Nicos Anastasiades.
Averof Neofytou has served as a member of the Union of Municipalities of Cyprus, Honorary Secretary of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a member of the Board of the Cyprus Football Association and President of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society in Polis Chrysochous.
Averof Neofytou took over the leadership of the Democratic Rally in 2013, when Cyprus was hit by the financial crisis and had entered a financial agreement with Troika.
Under Averof Neofytou, DISY achieved the parliamentary support necessary to pass the reforms required by the economic adjustment program for Cyprus, even though the party lacked a Parliamentary majority in the House.
On 22 December 2021 Averof Neofytou Neophytou announced that he would be a candidate in the presidential elections, in February 2023, as the official representative of DISY.
Averof Neofytou was supported by the president of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and the President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou.
Averof Neofytou is married to Maria Selipa and has one son Pericles, named after his father.