Onasagoras
An all-out brawl on social media, right in the middle of the holy Easter days, between the President of the Famagusta Tourism Development Board and former Minister under Anastasiades' government, Yiannis Karousos, and the current Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis. The spark? Pharmacies in tourist areas (specifically Ayia Napa) and what kind of opening hours they should follow. Oh, and let’s not forget the added confusion about whether it’s the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Health that actually has jurisdiction.
The spat kicked off with Karousos throwing shade at Koumis, who fired back accusing the former Minister of having a personal vendetta—using language so harsh, it surely made some readers choke on their tsoureki. Peace be with you, dear ruling and opposing brethren. Could you at least hold off until we finish our last flaounes and the white smoke rises for the new Pope? Then, by all means, resume the fireworks. Just a little advice: when state officials disagree, it’s not a problem, as long as the argument stays on a policy level and doesn’t spiral into a personal catfight. Keep that in mind.
Minister of Justice and Public Order (or should we add Disorder?) Mr. Chartsiotis seems to have gotten tired of the accusations that he was dodging responsibility. So, following the recent incidents with the Easter bonfires and the violent attacks on police officers, he decided it was time to start assigning blame: to everyone except himself! He said it’s the parents’ fault for youth delinquency, and honestly, he’s not wrong. If parents hadn’t had kids, we wouldn’t have youth, and therefore, no youth delinquency. Problem solved!
Marinos of EDEK (and of our hearts) says he’s open to “exploring a possible merger of the centrist parties”! Great idea, Sizos, but maybe pick up the pace a bit, because at this rate the so-called Center might fade into memory before you get the chance.
Serdar Denktaş called on Turkey to recognize the Republic of Cyprus and open an embassy in the free areas. Something tells me we might actually live to see that, so let’s be ready to handle it when it comes.
As for the Electra gas field, turns out, all that glittered wasn’t gold. The natural gas reserves there aren’t large enough to be worth developing. The officials tried to comfort us by saying that although the quantity is underwhelming, at least the gas was “good quality” (!!!). It reminded me of Lillikas suggesting we pre-sell it, and everyone mocked him. You know, just like we say “he was a good man” after someone passes away. Well, Electra was a good one too. RIP.
*This opinion was translated from its Greek original.
