Newsroom
Cyprus may be on the verge of a political shift that many countries have already experienced: the steady rise of populism, in several different forms, and with growing influence at the ballot box.
An in-depth analysis by Thanasis Photiou warns that what Cyprus has long watched unfold in Europe and the United States, political movements claiming to speak for the “real will of the people” while rejecting the political establishment—is no longer a distant trend. Polls suggest that populist forces could soon play a decisive role in the country’s political landscape.
The article argues that populism in Cyprus is no longer limited to the far right. While ELAM continues its rise by tapping into fears over identity, migration and national security, two newer players are reshaping the picture. ALMA, led by former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, builds its appeal around morality, anti-corruption and the promise of “cleaning up” a broken system. At the same time, influencer-turned-politician Fidias Panayiotou promotes a version of “direct democracy” that presents politics as simple, accessible and entertaining, largely bypassing parties, programs and institutions.
Despite their differences, the three movements share a common thread: a sharp divide between “ordinary people” and a “corrupt elite,” and a deep distrust of traditional politics. According to the article, this framing makes populism attractive, especially in a country where public trust has been eroded by scandals, a sense of impunity and years of frustration with established parties.
The analysis also stresses that populism should not be confused with empty campaign promises. Unlike traditional demagoguery, it positions itself against the system itself, often questioning the legitimacy of institutions such as the courts, the media and political parties when they are seen as obstacles to the “will of the majority.”
While acknowledging that populist movements can highlight real social injustices and failures of governance, the article warns that their growing influence poses risks to liberal democracy. By simplifying complex problems, personalizing political power and reducing politics to confrontation, populism can weaken democratic safeguards designed to manage disagreement and limit power.
The conclusion is cautious but clear: populism did not emerge by accident, and it is not only a problem of extremes. Whether Cyprus’s political system can rebuild trust, address inequality and restore confidence in democratic institutions may determine whether populism acts as a warning signal, or becomes a lasting force shaping the country’s future.
