Nicosia, Cyprus. Former president Nicos Anastasiades said Cyprus risks creating a “Parliament of Babel” as political toxicity, populism and public attacks undermine democratic debate ahead of Sunday’s elections.
Concerns over political climate and public debate
In an interview with Vergina TV on Wednesday, Anastasiades criticised what he described as a climate of “nihilism” and “character assassination” in public life. He said political discourse has shifted away from policy and substance.
“There are public prosecutors and people’s courts,” he said. “This has created a situation that is not ideal and does not allow the voter to choose between policies and positions.”
Warning of fragmentation in upcoming elections
Anastasiades cautioned against political fragmentation ahead of the vote, saying Cyprus could face a “Parliament of Babel,” referring to the Tower of Babel from the Book of Genesis, if the current climate continues.
References to Makarios Drousiotis and related allegations
Anastasiades referred extensively to journalist Makarios Drousiotis, whose publications and allegations concerning Anastasiades’ presidency have generated political controversy in recent years.
“Drousiotis told us that he conducted investigations for three years and found that everything was apparently true,” Anastasiades said, adding that “the rest cannot remain without consequences.”
Claim about impact on Giorgos Mylonakis
He also said the political environment surrounding the allegations had affected former associate and Greek deputy minister to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Giorgos Mylonakis, claiming the allegations escalated to the point that Mylonakis suffered a stroke.
Criticism of Odysseas Michaelides
Anastasiades criticised former auditor general and current Alma leader, Odysseas Michaelides, accusing him of having an “obsessive tendency to characterise everyone as corrupt.”
“I am his obsession, but unfortunately I studied law and not psychiatry in order to observe him more closely,” Anastasiades said.
How do you think political fragmentation could affect voters’ ability to compare policies and positions?