By ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
No, we won’t be declaring the new President of the Republic of Cyprus just yet. There is still a long way to go before polling day and many more episodes remain in the saga of debates and poll analyses. Therefore, the candidates would do well to continue their work, in the hope that at some point they might also address the substance and key problems facing this country and society.
In this election, there is, however, one sure winner. Actually, that has been the case for some time now. From the very moment that all candidacies were officially announced, in fact. And that is none other than the current President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades. With the three main candidates coming from his own close circle of associates, the outgoing government and its head, for the first time in the annals of elections in Cyprus, have dodged the usual harsh criticism we became accustomed to in previous elections. Suffice it to consider that the oft-used term of the past, ‘change’, has hardly made an appearance in this election. And how could it?
- Who among the three main candidates will really criticise the President’s handling of the Cyprus problem? All of them were by his side when critical decisions were being made and either agreed with him completely, or remained silent. It is too late to criticise now. To say nothing of the fact that none of them seem even to have such an intention.
- Who could criticise the economic policy of the outgoing President? No one! Averof Neophytou is a close collaborator and to a large extent a co-designer of economic policy. Nikos Christodoulides was a member of the Government. Andreas Mavroyiannis, perhaps. Except that his backing by AKEL could potentially backfire if there is a tough showdown on economic issues.
- And who will speak openly about issues of corruption? With specific references, with examples, with revelations? Again, nobody. That is why this chapter is coming to a close with general declarations, vague promises and superficial references to what has happened over the last decade.
So, is there any doubt as to who is the sure winner of this election (for now)? Nicos Anastasiades is perhaps going through the calmest period of his term in office, just before he abandons the ‘palace’.
Source: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, THE SURE WINNER
