Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Friday called on former Disy leader Averof Neophytou to recognise the achievements of the Christodoulides administration and to stop showing animosity.

In a post on the social media platform X, Letymbiotis said: “The worst advisor in politics is animosity. The most harmful for the nation is obsession, nihilism, and sterile criticism.” He accused Neophytou of contradicting his own political legacy.

Letymbiotis highlighted the government’s accomplishments, including successive upgrades to the economy, diplomatic successes, and policies supporting the middle class and citizens. He challenged Neophytou to be “honest,” suggesting that the former Disy leader’s criticism reflected personal ambitions rather than public interest.

“If Mr Neophytou believes this government does not implement his policies, that is a badge of honour for us,” Letymbiotis said, stressing the fundamental gaps in political vision between Neophytou and the current administration.

The statement was the latest in a back and forth between the two after Neophytou on Wednesday night criticised the government on his way into a dinner in Paralimni with former president and Disy leader Nicos Anastasiades and current party leader Annita Demetriou.

The dinner itself is being seen as a public display of unity following the 2023 rift when Nikos Christodoulides, a protégé of Anastasiades left Disy to run for president, beating Neophytou in the race. The latter then resigned as party leader.

On the way into the dinner, Neophytou made a throwaway comment that the country was “not being governed”

Letymbiotis subsequently responded on X saying Neophytou’s remark showed “animosity”.

In turn, Neophytou retorted that there was a gap between their views – “the gap that separates public relations from reality.”

“The ‘government of observers’ does not tolerate criticism from the opposition. It wants an opposition that acts as an extra in the communications performances with Mr Christodoulides as the protagonist,” Neophytou said in a written statement.

“But the quintessence of serious governance is listening to the people, solving their problems, and accepting the criticism of the opposition. They do none of these things. They seek applause. But neither will the people’s clamour cease, nor will the voice of Averof Neophytou be silenced.”

He slammed the government’s notion of “success” when households “have been brought to their knees and cannot make ends meet”.