“The world is reading today the reports in the international press, and I must tell you, it’s not something that makes me proud. Therefore, we do neither underestimate nor degrade them, both the government and I,” said President Christodoulides regarding the investigation by the international consortium of investigative journalists, which brings Cyprus back into the forefront of international corruption and money laundering.
I don’t know why the President hesitated to speak the truth. Shame! This is the only thing anyone who loves this small homeland should feel, Mr Christodoulides.
Probably, the reason was that he did not want to hurt his predecessor (Nicos Anastasiades), who supported him. Possibly, he also became defensive due to guilt. Because of his involvement in the government, which bears the exclusive responsibility for the international disgrace of the Republic of Cyprus. Of course, he had no personal involvement in the huge scandal. The ministries of Interior and Finance were responsible. However, he was still a member of that ‘sinful’ government and, therefore, felt uncomfortable.
I watched carefully the various political reactions to the continuation of the disgrace of our country through the new journalistic investigation. At some point, I could not help but feel angry. I saw Disy MEP Loucas Fourlas lamenting why Cypriots were again the focus of reactions in Brussels, facing a barrage of questions and comments from foreign colleagues and others. He, too, felt ashamed.
Disy MPs seemed to be asking for their due, highlighting the measures taken by the previous government to institutionally address corruption and money laundering. How much irony, my God. How much underestimation of intelligence can one endure? Fortunately, the ultimate culprit avoided appearing. Let him continue this. Until he sits again, the one who awakened the nightmare of shame.
There is one pitiful reality. Yes, the announcement of the new investigation by foreign journalists has indeed raised the expectations or at least the curiosity of the public. Yes, the fact that 270 journalists from 68 countries collaborated in this investigation, involving 3.6 million documents, inevitably heightened interest. It led many to anticipate shocking revelations. Yes, what came to light until yesterday was particularly disappointing. So much pain, for so little gain.
Yes, these are known, in many cases, assumptions. Which, by no means, add anything significant to what was circulating and tarnishing our country. And yes, some measures have been taken, indicating to the outside world that Cyprus wants to stop being considered a place of corruption and a hub for international fraudsters. We say indicating because if we have learned one thing well over the years, it is those who love corruption always find new ways to deceive the law.
But what is the point? Whoever truly loves this tormented place can – with pain – realise that the disgrace suffered by our homeland under the Anastasiades government was unbearable. And that it will take many – clean – years to make it possible to cleanse this colossal stain. This column has been shouting this for years. Unfortunately, this is confirmed.
Your works are admirable, Nicos Anastasiades. Under your government, the most shameful page for our small but beloved homeland was written. “Indeed, for what crime will I be tried?” you wondered in an interview with “Phileleftheros” on September 3, 2023.
This nightmare could even be compared to the ultimate betrayal. If there were a proper justice system… You will never be judged. But you should have been. You condemned a people to live for years with the shame of the image your government created for our homeland abroad. At least stay hidden during this period. Another provocation is unbearable!
