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Cypronetwork, a Cyprus-based market research and consulting firm, has released its latest barometer survey, shedding light on the issues that most concern citizens in Cyprus, public trust in institutions, and electoral behavior. Conducted in December 2024, the survey provides a comprehensive overview of Cypriot priorities and attitudes, offering a snapshot of the nation's socio-political landscape.
The Cypronetwork barometer reveals that the most pressing issue for Cypriots is accuracy, with 63% of respondents citing it as a major concern. This is followed by the economy (45%), corruption (43%), and the Cyprus problem (42%). Other issues such as health, immigration, education, and the environment are of lesser concern.
The emphasis on accuracy—often tied to the rising cost of living and inflation—reflects citizens’ preoccupation with issues that directly affect their daily lives. The economy, corruption, and the long-standing Cyprus problem remain critical areas of focus, indicating the persistent challenges the nation faces.
The survey also highlights a significant lack of trust in key institutions. More than half of Cypriots express "little to no trust" in the government (59%), parliament (57%), political parties (66%), the judiciary (61%), and the media (52%). Marginally higher levels of trust are noted for the Church and the Audit Office, with 23% and 19% of respondents, respectively, stating they have "a lot to a lot of trust" in these institutions.
This distrust underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the effectiveness and integrity of existing systems, further compounded by concerns about corruption and governance.
A notable finding of the survey is the fluid nature of electoral behavior among Cypriots. Only 28% of respondents say they will vote for the party they usually support. Meanwhile, 16% indicate a willingness to vote for a new party, and 40% remain undecided. Four in ten citizens state that they do not trust existing political parties, illustrating a clear appetite for political change.
The survey also suggests that a new party could gain significant traction if it meets specific criteria. Such a party would need to prioritize the interests of citizens (73%), demonstrate social sensitivities (70%), and maintain a strong stance against corruption (68%).
The Cyprus problem remains a divisive issue, with varying opinions on potential solutions. According to the survey, 25% of participants support a bizonal bicommunal federation, while 23% favor a unitary state. Other proposed solutions, such as a two-state arrangement (14%), maintaining the status quo (12%), and a confederation (4%), garnered less support. Notably, 21% of respondents expressed no opinion, reflecting the complexity and contentiousness of the issue.
The Cypronetwork barometer survey was conducted through face-to-face and telephone interviews with 911 individuals aged 18 and above. The sample was representative of the Cypriot population in terms of region, gender, and age, selected using a random, multistage, stratified sampling method.
Cypronetwork's barometer provides critical insights into the concerns, trust levels, and political attitudes of Cypriots as they navigate a landscape marked by economic pressures, institutional distrust, and ongoing debates over national identity and governance. As the findings reveal, citizens are increasingly focused on issues that directly impact their quality of life while expressing a clear demand for political and institutional reform.
