For decades, the Cyprus problem was the issue around which almost the entire political life of the country revolved. Today, however, a different and potentially troubling risk is emerging. Rather than the political system serving the Cyprus problem, the issue is increasingly being used to serve the needs of the political system and, principally, personal strategies ahead of 2028.
President Nicos Christodoulides has every political reason to maintain the impression of a process that remains in motion. Contacts, meetings, initiatives, “new ideas” and expectations surrounding the next steps create a sense that something may change.
Yet the appearance of movement does not always amount to substantive progress. The United Nations itself has made clear that considerable work is still required before negotiations can genuinely restart.
The Cyprus problem and the 2028 race
On the other side, Averof Neophytou has chosen to place the Cyprus problem at the centre of his own return to the political foreground.
He had said that the national issue was “above everything” and ultimately linked the lack of progress to his decision to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.
The problem is not that politicians have ambitions. That is part of politics. The problem begins when the country's most important national issue becomes a means of political differentiation, personal promotion or electoral positioning.
The risk of public disengagement
There is an even greater danger concerning the growing fatigue within society itself.
The more expectations are created without corresponding results, and the more the Cyprus problem becomes intertwined with the debate over who will be a presidential candidate in 2028, the greater the possibility that citizens will distance themselves from the issue itself.
Results must remain the priority
The Cyprus problem does not need another prolonged election campaign. It needs seriousness, clear positions and, above all, tangible results.
Otherwise, by 2028, we may have discussed exhaustively who will govern the Republic of Cyprus, while talking increasingly less about how Cyprus will be reunified.
