Cypriots feel downbeat amid global events

A recent survey conducted by the Cyprus Association of Opinion Poll and Market Research Enterprises (SEDEAK) has revealed a prevailing sense of pessimism among Cypriots regarding the future of Cyprus amid international developments. The survey, titled "Views and Knowledge of the Public during the Pre-Election Period 2024," presented its findings on Thursday in Nicosia.

According to the survey results, 55% of respondents expressed pessimism about the future of Cyprus in light of international developments. The mean score of optimism stood at 2.34 on a five-point scale, falling below the average of 2.5. The scale ranged from 1, indicating "not at all optimistic," to 5, signifying "very optimistic."

Notably, young people aged 18-24 emerged as the most optimistic age group, recording a mean score of 2.58. In contrast, individuals aged 55-64 were the most pessimistic, scoring 2.11 on average. Men exhibited slightly higher levels of optimism compared to women, with mean scores of 2.37 and 2.32, respectively. Geographically, Pafos emerged as the most optimistic district with an average score of 2.52, while Famagusta ranked as the most pessimistic, scoring 2.22 on average.

In terms of political engagement, Cypriots displayed greater interest in presidential elections, scoring an average interest level of 3.74 on the five-point scale. This was followed by interest in parliamentary elections (3.43), municipal elections (3.34), and European elections (3.08).

The survey, conducted in February 2024, involved the collaboration of seven polling companies affiliated with SEDEAK. It covered both urban and rural areas of Cyprus and included individuals aged 18 and above, encompassing both genders. A total of 792 interviews were conducted using telephone interviews and a structured questionnaire. The sample selection was based on random stratified sampling, and the results were weighted by age and gender to ensure representativeness. Men constituted 48% of the sample, while women made up 52%.

[Information sourced from CNA]