On February 5, Cyprus will hold its presidential elections, and the future of the country hangs in the balance. As the nation looks towards a new era of leadership, it is clear that the Cypriot state system is in desperate need of modernization.
From inefficient state services to the climate crisis, the challenges facing Cyprus are significant. The threat from the right-wing hardliner party ELAM adds to the urgency of the situation, as the country must work to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
It is time for Cyprus to embrace change and move forward into a brighter future. In this article, we will explore the key issues facing Cyprus as it approaches its presidential elections and consider the ways in which the country can modernize and improve its state system. With a new leader at the helm, there is hope that Cyprus can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.
The candidates for the presidential elections in Cyprus on February 5 include Andreas Mavroyiannis, an ambassador and former negotiator of the Greek Cypriot community in the Cyprus talks, supported by AKEL and Generation Change; Averof Neofytou, the president of DISY, supported by DISY; Christos Christou, the president of ELAM, supported by ELAM; and Nikos Christodoulides, a former minister of foreign affairs and former member of DISY running as an independent candidate, supported by DIKO, EDEK, DIPA, and the Solidarity Movement.
There are several independent candidates running in the presidential elections in Cyprus on February 5, notably Achilleas Demetriades, a lawyer who made his reputation after winning the landmark human rights case Loizidou v. Turkey.
Whatever the merits of the individual candidates, the upcoming presidential elections in Cyprus are shaping up to be a numbers game between the three most influential parties: DISY, DIKO, and AKEL.
As the campaign heats up, it will be important to keep an eye on the complex and shifting alliances and strategies of these parties as they seek to gain the upper hand in the race for the presidency. Ultimately, the winner of the elections will heavily depend on who is able to outmaneuver their opponents and secure the most votes.
The incumbent president, Nikos Anastasiades, is not eligible to run for another term in the upcoming presidential elections in Cyprus. While his presidency had some successes such as leading the island through the pandemic and returning the economy to a better performance, it was also marked by significant failures, particularly on the thorny issue of reunification with the Turkish Cypriot community. Relations between the two sides took a turn for the worse after Turkey’s aggressive actions in regard to the island’s hydrocarbon prospects.
In addition to this disappointment, the economy suffered during Anastasiades’ first term, with thousands of ordinary people losing their savings during the bail-in and a sovereign debt crisis and banking crash that were not effectively managed. Many criticized the lack of strong negotiations to protect innocent parties during this economic fallout.
There are several top needs for modernization in Cyprus that need to be addressed in order to improve the country’s state system for its citizens. One of the most pressing needs is the effective digitalization of state services. In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, it is crucial that the Cypriot state system is able to provide services online in a timely and efficient manner. This includes everything from paying bills to accessing government information.
Another top need for modernization in Cyprus is addressing the climate change crisis and the need to reduce pollution. The island nation is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change around rising sea levels, and it is essential that steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. This could include initiatives to promote renewable energy and reduce waste.
Reducing the cost of living is also a top priority for modernization in Cyprus. With the cost of living on the island rising, it is important that the government takes steps to make it easier for people to afford the necessities of life. This could include initiatives to lower the price of housing, food, and other necessities.
Improving road infrastructure is also a top need for modernization in Cyprus. The island’s roads are in need of repair and expansion in order to meet the needs of its growing population. This could include initiatives to improve public transportation, as well as investments in road construction and maintenance.
Improving and maintaining school buildings is another top priority for modernization in Cyprus. With many of the island’s schools in disrepair or outdated, it is essential that the government invests in modernizing these facilities in order to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students.
Helping younger generations get jobs is also a top need for modernization in Cyprus. With young people vulnerable to unemployment, it is important that the government takes steps to create opportunities for employment and career advancement. This could include initiatives to support small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.
Reducing corruption and nepotism by rationalizing state hiring and basing it on merit would go a long way to improving state operations from semi-government organizations to the smallest committees. Spending less taxpayer money on luxuries and more on what society really needs would go a long way toward adding to the integrity of the state.
Raising the standards of healthcare and increasing the resources available is a high priority for the health of the population and the economy, particularly in view of the increased risk of pandemics.
Finally, supporting culture and gender equality with stronger initiatives is a top need for modernization in Cyprus.
If the winner of the election is the person who can vigorously take on these challenges instead of perpetuating the current comfort zone, the country can look to a brighter future.
