The rise of Elam in Cyprus politics can be attributed to heightened nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and fears over national identity. Mainstream parties’ focus on these issues has inadvertently amplified Elam’s media presence, solidifying its position as a key player in the current political landscape.
What factors have contributed to the rise of the Elam party in Cyprus politics?
Elam’s rise in Cyprus politics is attributed to heightened nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and fears over national identity. Mainstream parties’ focus on these issues has inadvertently amplified Elam’s media presence. Moreover, Elam’s established connections with the Church and early focus on immigration have helped gain a significant foothold in current political discourse.
Heightened Focus on Nationalism and Immigration
Cyprus’s political climate has shifted significantly, with the spotlight intensifying on the extreme right nationalist party Elam. As pre-election polls project a third-place finish for Elam in the European Parliament elections, this unexpected surge has rattled traditional political entities. Mainstream parties, fearing a loss of their voter base, have unleashed a barrage of criticisms toward Elam, highlighting its affiliations with the neo-fascist Golden Dawn of Greece and condemning its stances on immigration, racism, and economic populism.
The central issue that has galvanized voters is immigration, and Elam, having long adopted a xenophobic narrative, finds itself at the forefront of this contentious debate. Prior to its emergence as a critical concern in the last presidential elections, Elam had already been stoking fears over national identity and the societal impacts of increasing migrant populations. This early positioning allowed Elam to establish a strong foothold in discussions that are only now dominating the Cypriot political arena.
The Ripples in Right-Wing Politics
The Democratic Party (Diko) finds itself in direct competition with Elam, as recent polls suggest a shift in voter preference that could relegate Diko to fourth place. Such an outcome would not only signify a loss for Diko but also a marked decline in its support base. Diko’s failure to diversify its approach beyond a hardline stance on the Cyprus problem—something Elam champions as well—has left it vulnerable. With Elam encroaching into Diko’s far-right territory, largely through its anti-immigrant rhetoric and established connections with the Church, Diko is struggling to maintain its position.
Nicolas Papadopoulos, Diko’s leader, has strived to present his party as distinct from Elam, engaging in televised debates with Elam leader Christos Christou. However, these efforts have yet to produce a significant shift in public opinion. Likewise, the socialist party Edek is grappling with the same challenge, endeavoring to counter Elam’s far-right appeal by highlighting its extreme views, yet with limited success.
A Tactical Misstep By Traditional Parties
In an unusual twist, even the centrist Disy and the left-wing Akel have engaged in the political utilization of Elam as a means to cast aspersions on each other. Disy has accused Akel of mirroring Elam’s euroscepticism and economic populism, while Akel has retorted by labeling Elam as a mere extension of Disy. This has led to an almost farcical situation, with Elam becoming the fulcrum of European election discourse.
While there is a certain level of reassurance in seeing established parties unify against Elam’s fascistic leanings, this very opposition has inadvertently amplified Elam’s presence in the media. The continuous attacks have provided Elam with an abundance of free publicity, which has not yet backfired as intended. As election day draws closer, the effect of this publicity remains uncertain, but there’s no indication that the strategy employed by the traditional parties has been effective in diminishing Elam’s growing influence.
The Media Landscape and Political Narratives
The role of media in shaping political narratives cannot be understated. As parties spar over ideology and issues like immigration, the media plays a pivotal part in broadcasting these conflicts to the public, potentially altering the course of elections. In this climate, the coverage of Elam’s rise and its implications for Cypriot politics is a testament to the media’s power in steering political discourse. The unfolding political drama in Cyprus serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between reporting and influencing the news landscape.
What factors have contributed to the rise of the Elam party in Cyprus politics?
Elam’s rise in Cyprus politics is attributed to heightened nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and fears over national identity. Mainstream parties’ focus on these issues has inadvertently amplified Elam’s media presence. Moreover, Elam’s established connections with the Church and early focus on immigration have helped gain a significant foothold in current political discourse.
How has the focus on nationalism and immigration impacted Cyprus’s political climate?
The heightened focus on extreme right nationalist party Elam in Cyprus has shifted the political landscape significantly. Mainstream parties are now facing a challenge as Elam’s surge has rattled traditional political entities. The spotlight on Elam’s affiliations with neo-fascist groups, stance on immigration, racism, and economic populism has intensified the political discourse in Cyprus.
How is Elam affecting other right-wing parties in Cyprus, such as Diko and Edek?
Elam’s rise has put pressure on traditional right-wing parties like Diko and Edek in Cyprus. Recent polls suggest a shift in voter preference towards Elam, potentially relegating Diko to fourth place. Diko’s failure to diversify beyond a hardline stance on the Cyprus problem and Elam’s encroachment into their far-right territory has left them struggling to maintain their position.
How are centrist and left-wing parties in Cyprus responding to Elam’s growing influence?
Centrist and left-wing parties in Cyprus, such as Disy and Akel, have engaged in the political utilization of Elam to cast aspersions on each other. This strategic move has inadvertently amplified Elam’s presence in the media, providing them with free publicity. As election day approaches, the impact of this strategy on diminishing Elam’s influence remains uncertain.
