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12° Nicosia,
19 March, 2026
 
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Laughable disclosures as Cyprus politicians' financial woes unveiled

From maintaining Maseratis on meager incomes to unsettled loans, the irony of political life in Cyprus

Onasagoras

Onasagoras

Once again, this year’s financial disclosures from our members of parliament are filled with laughable and tragic statements. Marinos Sizopoulos must be having a hard time making ends meet, as he needs to maintain his Maserati on a meager annual income of €20,000, just like a doctor earns. That’s barely above the minimum wage, practically qualifying him for social assistance.

On the other hand, Nikolas still hasn’t managed to pay off his mortgage despite his years of living like royalty, while Stefanos lists a few hundred shares and a loan of €524. Let’s hope this massive loan is being serviced and isn't in default, or at least is a different shade of red than AKEL’s.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, known as a “friend of Cyprus,” might be sentenced to 222 years in prison for corruption. Meanwhile, esteemed figures like Nicos Anastasiades have repeatedly honored him.

ELAM President Christos Christou has just over €1,000 in savings but owes hundreds of thousands. Things are tough for him too. Hopefully, he’ll start getting paid like a high commissioner, so he can finally see some better days.

Regarding recent events in the Democratic Rally (DISY), Chris Triantafyllides says the party cannot become a party of “imprisoned minds,” stressing that freedom of thought and expression have been fundamental to DISY since its founding. Imprisoned Minds VS Free Brainless Ones, score one for the brainless.

I read a headline stating, “Report 'burns' monks of Avvakoum Monastery.” I really doubt it. They’ve been living comfortably without a care for a long time. If they move from the monastery’s cell to another kind of cell, the difference won’t be that significant.

The ones truly burned—if not scorched—are those who were deceived, gave money hoping for divine forgiveness, and realized they still might end up in the boiling cauldrons of hell. These are the ones sitting on hot coals, most affected by the report. The others lived the dream, however long it lasted. After all, we only live once, and if we don’t enjoy it, what’s the point?

With a potential 222 years in prison for corruption—yes, you heard that right, 222—U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, known as a “friend of Cyprus,” might be sentenced. Esteemed figures from our country, like Nicos Anastasiades, have repeatedly honored him. As my grandmother would say, “With friends like these, who needs enemies?”

[This article was translated by Shemaine Kyriakides]

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Cyprus  |  opinions  |  ironic

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