“Wow,” I thought to myself, “what have we done? What has Cyprus achieved?” Simple words, from a young man who, in just a few days, made our small but beloved homeland shine. A European champion, with one gold medal, one silver, and two bronze.
What irony. While politicians, prosecutors, officials, and others are paid a golden salary yet plunge our Cyprus into deeper darkness, a young man fights tooth and nail to secure a simple gold medal. Enough, however, to spread infinite light across this hapless homeland, keeping the flame of hope burning bright.
I am, of course, referring to Marios Georgiou, the European champion in artistic gymnastics, who has also secured his participation in the Paris Olympic Games, now realistically aiming for an Olympic medal.
This column has consciously chosen to stray from the usual mundane topics that preoccupy Cypriot current affairs. As we enter Holy Week, we are also tired of being enraged by the rottenness that prevails on this island. But, above all, it is the refreshing breeze brought by this young fighter that offers us a glimmer of optimism and pride.
On one side, there is darkness and despair. A state deeply drowned in negligence, inadequacy, and incompetence. A state that refuses to look forward, to modernize, and to support talented youth in spreading their wings. A state that denies them the chance to soar and fulfill their dreams.
On the other side, there is light and hope, brought by a young man. Emerging from a Cyprus mired in lawlessness, scandals, and shame, he leaves behind the stench created by the unscrupulous politicians and their unholy behaviours. He transcends the rotten backdrop crafted by a horde of small-minded individuals, driven solely by the pursuit of wealth, easy gains, and financial power at any cost.
On one hand, we feel anger and despair at the unjust behaviours of a system that hunts down those striving day and night to clean up the Augean stables. We witness the disreputable and the corrupt dragging our Cyprus through the mud in every corner of the world due to their despicable acts of self-interest.
On the other hand, a young man (along with the rest of the Cypriot team, who claimed the eighth position in the European team event and an Olympic berth) shows what the future of this place can and should be.
Marios Georgiou overcame a serious injury that kept him out for almost two years. But he came back. “As an athlete, you must also be a fighter,” he said in an interview with ‘Phileleftheros’ after his achievement. “Without a fight, you gain nothing. If you don’t take risks, you achieve nothing.”
This is true for everyone, in every aspect of life, not just athletes, my dear Marios. This should be the shining beacon for all of us. Unfortunately, those from whom we expect to follow this beacon of light do not. All those who hold power, big or small, and decide the fate of this land have long ceased to be fighters.
They have stopped struggling, stopped taking risks, and instead settled into their comfortable positions, fat salaries, and multiple pensions.
The result is glaring: our small but beloved homeland is slipping away, and we passively await the emergence of another Marios Georgiou to keep the flame of hope alive.
Everyone rushed to help the 82-year-old
We said we’d try to be holy during Holy Week, but they’re not making it easy for us. The Presidential Palace rushed yesterday to publicize that the President had signed a presidential pardon for the 82-year-old convict. Just another PR stunt.
Because the essence of the matter is that for 54 days since his conviction to two and a half years in prison, the President’s signature was meaningless.
The Attorney General disagreed. And the President couldn’t convince him. Yesterday, it was the Attorney General’s signature that mattered for the pardon to be granted. So, the Presidential Palace should perhaps reflect on why, for 54 days, it could not persuade the AG. He was awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the 82-year-old’s appeal before agreeing to the presidential pardon.
Wouldn’t want to upset the judges, especially when they’re needed now, you see…
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