CLOSE
Loading...
12° Nicosia,
04 April, 2025
 
Home  /  Comment  /  Opinion

Government faces mounting criticism over six-month stumble

Political turmoil unfolds

Apostolos Tomaras

Apostolos Tomaras

If a governing coalition in a state aspiring to be European were to make as many mistakes and omissions as the Christodoulides government has in just six months, it would face strong opposition.

In any democratic regime, opposition is essential to keep the government accountable and ensure it operates according to the law and the state's interests, not nepotism. This holds true even for issues related to the Cyprus problem.

President Christodoulides was elected under the promise of being a strong political figure, backed by the European Council, with a focus on Euro-Turkish relations and upgrading the customs union, but these promises seem unlikely to materialize.

His ministers also have their share of issues. Minister of Justice Anna Koukkidi Prokopiou mishandled reactions to the migration issue in Chlorakas and Limassol. Health Minister Popi Kanari seems to believe that the Cyprus Constitution allows her to replace competent authorities to investigate the authenticity of her director general's degrees.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis chose a 19-year-old as his partner, who inadvertently participated in Nikos Christodoulides' election campaign. Deputy Minister of Innovation Filippos Hadjizaharias seems disconnected from his portfolio.

These issues are compounded by resignations from the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the position of deputy government representative over overtime concerns. Government representative Konstantinos Letymbiotis even suggested that criticism of ministers is unwarranted.

In any other EU member state, such a track record in just six months would lead to fractures within the governing coalition, and even the opposition would be more active. It's worth noting that opposition figures like Stefanos Stefanou would seek to engage civil society and offer a modern, open-minded Left Party, moving beyond partisan politics.

Annita Demetriou, on the other hand, needs more than awakening. She needs tutorials to improve her political speech, especially when it comes to the Cyprus problem and Euro-Turkish issues. Her gaps and weaknesses reflect poorly on the party she leads.

In conclusion, Cyprus may have a unique political landscape, but it's essential to maintain accountability and transparency, even in the face of significant challenges. Happy birthday to the Republic of Cyprus!

[This article was translated from its Greek original]

TAGS
Cyprus  |  politics  |  government  |  president  |  EU  |  Turkey

Opinion: Latest Articles

Screen grab from Instagram post

Wait...what?

Trump, Constantine, and a golden cross, the blessing no one saw coming
Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
 |  OPINION
File photo  of Colin Steart, Nicos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar at the 2024 UN Reception at the Ledra Palace

Slogans are easier than strategy

Slogans Are Easier Than Strategy Subtitle: As yet another round of Cyprus talks looms, familiar rhetoric resurfaces—but ...
George Kakouris
 |  OPINION
A cringe-worthy moment in history

A cringe-worthy moment in history

When diplomacy looks more like a shakedown—what Trump’s treatment of Zelensky reveals about America’s shifting role on the ...
Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
 |  OPINION
US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office of the White House © SAUL LOEB / AFP

Thank you, Donald!

How Trump's blunt approach is forcing Europe to rethink its place in the world
Alexis Papachelas
 |  OPINION
This is Cyprus...

This is Cyprus...

Despite years of legislation and promises, loopholes, double standards, and enforcement failures continue to plague sports ...
Opinion
 |  OPINION
X