Politis

The Enemy Within

Published February 28, 2026, 09:18
The Enemy Within

The handling of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus highlights a deeply rooted weakness in Cypriot society: the inability to address problems objectively and collaboratively. Society appears to be divided into two opposing camps – livestock farmers and state services – with public opinion divided accordingly. Farmers blame the government for inaction, while state services blame farmers for violations and delays in reporting the disease. This approach, where confrontation and blame-finding prevail over cooperation and problem-solving, is problematic and repeats itself in many other issues in Cyprus, such as deposit haircuts, workplace accidents, and migration. The lack of cooperation and the demonization of the 'other side' hinder effective problem-solving and perpetuate existing dysfunctions.