Majority of Greek Cypriots not hopeful for solution

The majority of Greek Cypriots believe the Cyprus problem is no closer to being resolved now than it was last year although they would prefer to live together with Turkish Cypriots, a survey published on Thursday last week revealed.

The survey, carried out on behalf of the state broadcaster CyBC, showed that 88 per cent of Greek Cypriots do not believe the country is closer to a solution, with just 8 per cent appearing optimistic.

A similar poll conducted in November 2017, found that 80 per cent thought Cyprus was no closer to a solution while 14 per cent believed it was.

The survey canvassed 1,402 people between April 4 and 14. It was carried out by Cmrc Cypronetwork and its margin of error was 2 per cent.

Despite the pessimistic prospects for a solution, Greek Cypriots said they would prefer to live together with Turkish Cypriots, 56 per cent, versus the 39 per cent who did not, which was an improvement compared with the end of 2017 when 53 per cent went for cohabitation against 41 per cent who opposed it.

Irrespective of what kind of solution they desired, the majority of respondents, 42 per cent, believed there would not be a change in the status quo.  The runner up to this question was partition however, with 21 per cent believing that would end up being the solution, followed by the option of a bizonal, bicommunal, federation – the solution that is on the table for negotiating – coming in third at only 12 per cent, the same as those with no opinion.

The majority of Greek Cypriots, 58 per cent, believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, up from 42 per cent in 2017.

Only 16 per cent think it’s going in the right direction, a significant drop from 36 per cent in 2017.

Thirty-eight per cent feel disappointed with the current situation in Cyprus, 24 per cent expressed concern, and 12 per cent were angry. Only 10 per cent said they had hope and felt optimistic.

As expected, the majority, 57 per cent, said the island’s division was the most important problem, followed by the economy, 52 per cent. Corruption was a distant third with 18 per cent though inept politicians and absence of meritocracy received 6 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Unemployment was fourth with 15 per cent.

Surprisingly, education and health were lower down as concerns at 2 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

Greek Cypriots placed their trust on the USA as the country they could depend the most to bolster their defences, 25.5 per cent.

It was followed by Israel with 21 per cent, Russia, 20, France, 13, Greece, 10, and EU, 9.5. Twenty-five per cent of respondents said they could not depend on anyone.

Seventy per cent said trilateral agreements with regional countries were beneficial versus 11 per cent who disagreed.

Respondents tipped ruling Disy as the winner of the European elections in May with 18.5 per cent. It was followed by Akel with 14 per cent, and Diko with 9 per cent. Edek and far right Elam were fourth with 4 per cent a piece.

The majority of those surveyed, 57 per cent, irrespective of party preference, said they expected Disy to win. Most said the ruling party would win by a small margin, 37 per cent.

Source: Cyprus Mail