Cyprus: Entrenched Perceptions and the Cyprus Problem

A political psychograph of Cypriot society analyzes entrenched perceptions regarding the Cyprus Problem, 51 years after the coup and the Turkish invasion. The lack of maturity and political education, as well as the use of derogatory characterizations, undermine the unity necessary for freedom.

The political vocabulary has been enriched with a plethora of epithets, such as nationalist, intransigent, sold-out, Turk-lover, partitionist, Russophobe, defeatist. The toxic environment, party rivalry, and lack of inspiration exacerbate the environment.

We focus on the group of citizens who identify as followers of the "Realistic School," who believe that the Cyprus Problem is a story of lost opportunities, with the main responsibility lying with the Greek Cypriot side.

Entrenched Perceptions of the "Realistic School":

• There are no expectations for a solution.
• Turkey has no reason to make concessions.
• We got here because of our own mistakes, with Archbishop Makarios as the main culprit.
• Turkey exercised its legitimate right to intervene.
• We missed the best opportunity for a solution with the Annan Plan.
• At Crans Montana, we missed an even better solution agreement.

In Cyprus, experts express absolute certainties, often with fanaticism. Many have revised their views, while others adapt to political norms.

Disappointment, lack of faith and hope, passivity, and compromise with mediocrity prevail. In such times, populism thrives.

The second part of the article will be published on Monday.