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January is the month usually reserved for reflection, when we look back at the year that was, bemoaning our regrets and celebrating our successes, if any. Then we look forward to the new year, making well-meaning resolutions and hoping for the best in the uncertainty that lies ahead.
In the likeness of the Roman god for which the first calendar month is named, Cyprus in 2011 seems to have two heads, both facing opposite directions. But instead of having the divine ability to see into the future and the past, we are stuck with two equally confused faces, unsure whether to celebrate or mourn an ambiguous fate.
The ruling communist party knows full well that the parliamentary elections will determine its future, testing its policies so far on the economy, social wellbeing and of course its handling of the political problem.
Rising unemployment, which may or may not be blamed on the Christofias administration, is a serious issue, as is the haste with which public contracts are being awarded to build roads and fix infrastructure that had been neglected by the previous government, of which Akel too was a coalition partner.
But the party is to blame for inaction or even ultra-conservative policies on many other issues, making it wonder whether Akel is a truly progressive people’s party.
The fragile coalition, currently being held together by a piece of string, is suffering from the absence of a clear head, as it is driven by the urge to survive politically and show the people that it cares for all citizens, while trying very hard not to upset the more than 50,000 public sector workers, each with a vote to cast in May, then again in the municipal elections end of the year and finally in the presidential elections in 2013.
Demetris Christofias struggled very hard during his election campaign in 2008 to project an image of a forward-thinking, new generation politician, trying to fend off accusations of being a die-hard communist with Marxist principles. However, almost three years into his administration and we are still trying to cope with issues such as “let the big banks pay” and “private sector capitalist thugs”, not realising that with progress comes change, even in political ideology.
This year should be one of bold moves by the government, to reinstate confidence in both the consuming public and the business community. Key words at the top of the agenda should be ‘entrepreneurship’, ‘innovation’, ‘productivity’, ‘education’, ‘investment’ and ‘transformation’.
No matter how hard some people try, privatisation of certain public services will be forced upon us. Other sectors should prepare for greater competition, while leaner and efficient operations should become our advantage over many other jurisdictions and financial centres.
Do you think we can do it, Mr Christofias?
