EditCyprus political landscape: the centre wanes, the left struggles, and extremes gain ground
The liberal right cannot survive by mimicking extremist rhetoric, these parties must redefine their vision, placing ideas above political figures
Cyprus exemplifies a broader European trend where an ideological vacuum in the liberal centre-right has fueled the rise of far-right and anti-systemic movements.
EUalive published the analysis of Dionysis Dionysiou from the partner media Politis.
The traditional centre-right parties – Democratic Rally (DISY), Democratic Party (DIKO), Democratic Front (DIPA), and successive governments under Nicos Anastasiades (2013–23) and the current president Nikos Christodoulides have struggled to inspire, leaving a void that extremist forces are eager to fill.
(DISY, the Democratic Rally is a Christian democratic and liberal-conservativepolitical party in Cyprus led by Annita Demetriou. The party was founded on 4 July 1976 by veteran politician Glafcos Clerides. The Democratic Party is a Greek-Cypriot nationalist, centrist political party in Cyprus founded in 1976 by Spyros Kyprianou. DIKO is variously described as centrist, centre-left or centre-right; internationally, it is a member of the Progressive Alliance, which groups together mainly centre-left parties. DIPA is a centrist party, created after disagreements with DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos with regard to the approach the Greek Cypriot administration should take with regard to working to solve the Cyprus problem. The party was admitted into the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) on 18 November 2020 and it is a member of the Renew Europe European parliament group.)
The silent centre and the amplified extremes
When moderate conservatives lose their voice, the far-right seizes the stage. The June 2024 European elections underscored this shift: extremist parties have gained a stable, if still modest, foothold that resonates with disaffected voters, while centrist and liberal parties appear directionless, unable to tackle pressing issues effectively.
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) dominated the European elections, though it was narrowly defeated in subsequent parliamentary elections due to a coalition of democratic forces.
In Germany, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), the traditional conservative bloc of Konrad Adenauer, Helmut Kohl, and Angela Merkel, retains power but faces growing competition from the nationalist-populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which now closely trails in polls.
In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia, with 28.8% in the EU elections, has eclipsed the traditional centre-right, strengthening her influence and ties with figures like US President Donald Trump.
In Cyprus, the far-right ELAM, an offshoot of Greece’s Golden Dawn, entered Parliament in 2016 with 3.71% of the vote, climbed to 6% in 2021, and now polls at 15% or higher. Meanwhile, new parties like ALMA are gaining traction, capitalising on the centre-right’s decline.
The ideological void
The centre-right has historically rested on three pillars: fiscal responsibility, social cohesion, and a pro-European stance. Since the 2008 financial crisis, and particularly after 2015 amid migration surges, security concerns, and rising inequalities, this framework has lost its appeal among politically and economically insecure middle classes.
Think tanks like Chatham House and Carnegie have warned that emotionally charged, anti-migrant narratives from far-right parties are filling this gap, as fear proves more compelling than hope or forward-looking visions.
While economists note migration’s potential to boost GDP, convincing ordinary citizens that it does not threaten jobs or security remains challenging. Messages about economic growth often resonate more with business elites than with the broader public. The failure to address social inequalities has deepened perceptions of a state controlled by a wealthy elite, fostering distrust and allegations of widespread corruption.
In Cyprus, the past decade has seen growing inequality, with a burgeoning billionaire class – both local and foreign – while many young people earn near-minimum wages (~€1,000/month) and struggle with soaring housing costs.
Nearly 50% of Cypriots report financial difficulties each month, signaling a shrinking middle class, traditionally the backbone of European democracy.
The right-wing governments of Anastasiades and Christodoulides have failed to resolve basic issues like water and electricity shortages, with experts predicting worsening conditions leading into the 2026–2028 elections. This environment has allowed the far-right to position itself as a champion of the disadvantaged, a role historically claimed by the left.
The trap of mimicking extremism
Under pressure from far-right and anti-systemic forces, many centre-right parties have hardened their rhetoric on migration and security to recapture lost voters.
This strategy often backfires, normalizing extremist narratives and making authentic far-right messaging more appealing. In Cyprus, instead of addressing the root causes of extremism – such as economic disparity and governance failures – DISY, DIKO, and the Christodoulides government have leaned into nationalist rhetoric.
For instance, President Christodoulides has invoked nationalism tied to the 1956 British colonial proclamation about EOKA ( ”National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters”) leader Georgios Grivas (he was one of the main actors in the Cypriot War of Independence, securing the independence of Cyprus against the British Empire), while DISY leader Annita Demetriou has rushed to honor Grivas’ memorial, further fueling this discourse.
This vacuum has allowed figures like member of the EU Parliament Fidias Panayiotou and former Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides to gain traction by filling the narrative gap with simplistic appeals to fear and identity rather than tackling complex issues.
The far-right’s simple message vs. the centre’s complexity
Far-right extremism thrives on three straightforward promises: security, control, and identity.
In contrast, centre-right parties often rely on technical metrics – fiscal data, security protocols, or superficial policy tweaks, that fail to resonate emotionally.
Countries where the political centre has failed to deliver a convincing social contract – encompassing fair climate policies, energy transitions, social stability, and anti-discrimination measures, have ceded ground to extremists.
However, as seen in France in 2024, when coalitions adopt a clear anti-extremist stance with principled policies, they can halt this momentum.
A path forward: a new social contract
To counter the rise of extremism, Cyprus’ centre-right must craft a clear, honest, and compelling narrative. Potential proposals include:
Social contract for the middle class: implement tax relief, re-education programs, housing support, and energy cost assistance to bolster the shrinking middle class.
Security with rule of law: strengthen border control, create legal migration pathways, streamline asylum procedures, crack down on traffickers, and promote integration policies.
Fair climate transition: support vulnerable groups with compensation, invest in local green industries, and prioritize sustainable development over superficial subsidies.
“Made in Europe” industrial policy: drive strategic investments in energy, defense, and electronics, ensuring job creation and economic resilience.
European sovereignty without elitism: communicate tangible benefits of EU membership to local communities and industries.
Political renewal: decentralize governance, create participatory spaces, engage younger generations, and empower local leaders to carry forward a renewed narrative.
The urgency of action
Europe and Cyprus face mounting challenges that demand urgent, principled action. Failure to act risks a return to what historian Eric Hobsbawm called the “Age of Extremes,” evoking the tragic conflicts of the 20th century.
The far-right thrives when the centre fails to deliver a clear story of security, opportunity, and fairness.
In Cyprus, the upcoming elections must prioritize rational, straightforward politics focused on resolving the Cyprus problem, promoting economic growth with social justice, advancing environmental action, and enabling youth to build a future in their homeland.
The next Cypriot legislative elections are expected to be held in May 2026, to elect 56 of the 80 members of the House of Representatives.
The liberal right cannot survive by mimicking extremist rhetoric or relying solely on technical metrics. DISY, DIPA, and DIKO must redefine their vision, placing ideas above political figures.
A clear, viable, and honest narrative is the urgent need for Cyprus’ future, ensuring it remains a stable, inclusive, and forward-looking democracy in a turbulent Europe.
The original of this article in Greek can be found here.
Caption: Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides speaks during a joint press conference with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb (not pictured) following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, 22 May 2025. Christodoulides is on a working visit to Finland from 22 to 23 May. EPA/KIMMO BRANDT
Updated: September 1, 2025 - 05:51
