Onasagoras
Pamboridis held a press conference and had plenty of interesting things to say—apart from his declaration that, if he becomes DISY’s candidate, there is “no way” he will lose!
Asked about Averof’s proposal to lift energy sanctions on Russia, he urged us to be understanding because, during election campaigns, “sometimes we talk nonsense.” The problem in this country, dear Giorgos, is that we talk nonsense all year round, not just during campaigns. And I am certainly not referring only to Foulis, but more broadly to the entire troupe that makes up the Cypriot political scene.
“Go easy on Averof. We all talk nonsense during election campaigns!” — Giorgos Pamboridis
What stood out for me was his admission that he is not sure Averof will support him if he wins the party’s nomination. Many share that suspicion, since our national fox has never clearly committed to doing so. He has spoken vaguely about “supporting the result,” about “not hurting DISY supporters," and various other such things. But nowhere has he said—yet—that he will respect the grassroots’ choice and, if he loses, back his current rival, who would then be the party’s official candidate.
The mere fact that this question remains open says a great deal about how little a substantial section of DISY trusts him. Unfortunately for Averof, that, too, counts against him, giving his opponents grounds to accuse him of continuing to play both sides and preparing to find an excuse to go it alone if he loses.
His failure to make his intentions clear shows enormous disrespect for DISY supporters, and he needs to recognize that, even at this late stage. Otherwise, he will prove right everyone who said revenge was his first priority and everything else came afterwards.
Annita is asking everyone to stop making statements about the internal party contest, arguing that they do nothing to promote the desired unity. I couldn’t agree more. But her dressing-down of Stavridis and Karousos would have been more convincing had she been equally forceful with Haris and the “Shadowy One.” Otherwise, we are looking at a clear double standard. It might also be worth asking the elephant in the room to cut back on his interventions.
At the Avvakoum trial, we heard the outrageous figure of €10,000 for Metropolitan Isaias’ trip to Athens and stay at a luxury hotel. Now listen to the reason for this infuriatingly lavish excursion: to hand over money raised for the victims of the Evia wildfires!!!!!!
Add as many exclamation marks as you like.
For heaven’s sake, you godless lot, couldn’t the donations have been sent by bank transfer? Did someone really have to spend half the money travelling there, supposedly to deliver it?
Joking aside, what is emerging at the trial reflects disastrously on everyone involved, accusers and accused alike. Sadly, it adds another dark chapter to the recent history of the Church of Cyprus.
Let’s hope Jesus doesn’t come back to Earth anytime soon, because he’ll once again be throwing plenty of merchants out of the Temple—and out of the monastery and the bishopric, too.
Now there’s a thriving marketplace.
