Once again, the President and his government appear to be living in a glass cage, or rather in a world of their own surrounded by rosy clouds.
They are celebrating S&P’s upgrade of the Cypriot economy to the A category, presenting it as the result of their own policies and efforts, while seemingly failing to recognise what is actually happening beyond their immediate political environment.
What does an upgrade or economic growth mean to the average citizen who is still fighting tooth and nail to survive, crushed by the high cost of living and profiteering, with an income that in many cases barely lasts half the month?
And what purpose does growth serve if its benefits once again flow primarily to the few who already have wealth and resources?
The sacrifices behind the recovery
Cyprus’ return to the A category after 15 years, since 2011, is undoubtedly a positive development.
But it should not be portrayed simply as the product of policies pursued by the present government or those that preceded it after 2011.
First and foremost, the recovery reflects the efforts and sacrifices made by citizens and workers who carried much of the burden and endured years of hardship to help return the country to a path of recovery and growth.
During that period, workers relinquished rights and benefits, salaries and earnings were squeezed, employment protections were weakened and much of the safety net previously available to workers and consumers was eroded.
Growth must have a tangible impact
If those sacrifices are now beginning to bear fruit, the government must understand that economic progress will only have genuine meaning if it translates into improvements in the lives and daily realities of the people who helped build that recovery.
Budget surpluses should not remain in a display case as supposed evidence of successful government policy.
They should begin to be returned to those who genuinely need support, not so they can become wealthy, but so they can survive amid today's difficult economic conditions.
The real measure of good government
A successful government is not one that merely presents polished figures and large surpluses.
It is one that makes everyday life easier and, above all, fairer for its citizens while actively reducing inequality.
That does not mean abandoning fiscal responsibility.
There should be no excesses, waste or uncontrolled spending. Public finances must continue to be managed prudently, responsibly and with restraint.
But support must also be targeted, fair and focused on the people who genuinely need it and are entitled to it.
An improved credit rating is an achievement worth recognising. Its true value, however, will ultimately be measured not by the letter assigned to Cyprus by a ratings agency, but by whether ordinary people begin to feel the benefits in their own lives.
