The resignation of a President, a Prime Minister, or a minister during a time of crisis cannot simply be considered an act of personal or party dignity. It is something much more. It is an institutional necessity. In Cyprus, however, neither of the two applies. Resignation is disappearing as an institutional tool; despite tragedies and scandalous negligence, no one is held accountable, and no one steps down.
Historical Context
In 2011, despite the resignation of two of his ministers (Papacostas–Kyprianou), President Demetris Christofias did not take any responsibility for the explosion at Mari, even though transporting the explosives to Cyprus was mainly his political decision. We all understand that in Cyprus’s presidential system, unlike the more flexible parliamentary one, resignations are not easy as they require new and complex election processes. Still, there must be limits. In 2013, President Anastasiades pledged there would be no bail-ins, but when it turned out he had misled the entire country, he didn’t feel the need to resign. Instead, the Finance Minister, Michalis Sarris, took the fall. Anastasiades also didn’t feel the need to resign when, under his leadership, Cyprus became an international laughingstock due to the passport-for-cash scandal involving fraudsters and global gangsters. Unsurprisingly, there’s not even a discussion today about the resignation of Nikos Christodoulides over the biggest wildfire to hit Cyprus since the Turkish Invasion of 1974.
Neither he nor his ministers appear willing to step down - unless some are forced to in the coming days. As we wrote last week, in the recent history of the Republic of Cyprus, resignations for reasons of political sensitivity are extremely rare.
Institutions
Resignation sends a message that institutions are greater than individuals. Even when no criminal liability is involved, political responsibility remains. A President or minister must assume responsibility for acts or omissions that occurred under their leadership. Resignation acknowledges failure or inability to prevent a problem - and this strengthens democracy. Resignations show that power is not a prize but a tool for responsible governance, and that power has consequences. A resignation is recognized as a courageous act of accountability, reinforcing the sense of democratic participation and transparency. The absence of resignations leads to impunity and the devaluation of the political system.
After the fires, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in his national address, admitted there were significant mistakes and oversights. He apologized on behalf of the State—but refused to take responsibility.
Social Tension
Resignation can serve as a pressure release for a society experiencing anger or frustration. It acts as a form of relief from public pressure, helping to prevent larger social or political upheavals.
The President, speaking before the Cabinet, requested immediate disbursement of approved compensation to "ease the people’s anger," as he put it. It’s true that money can temporarily silence the public. But money doesn’t save politicians long-term or elevate them as behavioral role models. When a politician chooses to leave office with dignity, it promotes a culture of political ethics, in contrast to the logic of clinging to power. A resignation can signal the beginning of a new phase of governance or reform, free from the shadow of scandal. It’s a necessary break to restore normalcy and trust. Money doesn't fix everything -we've known that since ancient times.
For instance, without drawing direct comparisons, the problems of Ancient Athens were not solved by politicians like Cleon or later Aristogeiton who "bought" popular support with subsidies or promised handouts. Aristophanes, in Knights and Wasps, satirizes politicians who try to manipulate the people with “food, money, and flair.” In the end, Athens collapsed. Let’s not forget Rome either, which fell long before the Visigoths arrived. Mighty Rome did not avoid collapse by distributing bread and hosting spectacles. The expression “Bread and Circuses” (panem et circenses) comes from the Roman satirical poet Juvenal and describes precisely that: the political bribery of the people through free food and public entertainment.
A Responsible Act
Money is always helpful in times of disaster. However, in any democracy that wishes to stand tall before its citizens, the concept of political responsibility is fundamental -not just as a legal or institutional idea, but as an act of political dignity. When scandals erupt, when serious administrative failures are revealed, or when society sinks into crisis, the resignation of a politician is not a sign of weakness -it is evidence that democracy is functioning.
Resignation is a defense of institutions. Institutions are not synonymous with individuals. Insisting on clinging to power when everything else is collapsing undermines institutional credibility. In contrast, resignation declares that no one is above the institutions -not a minister, not a president, not even a mayor.
Those who resign are not guilty. We say this because many politicians counter that they have no criminal responsibility - so why should they leave? But political responsibility doesn’t require a courtroom. It acknowledges that someone failed to foresee or manage events that harmed the public interest. Assuming that responsibility through resignation is an act of maturity.
In an era when trust in institutions is declining, a politician’s resignation sends a message that power comes with consequences. Without resignations, impunity becomes the norm, and politics turns into a game of immunity.
Resignation is not defeat. It is the moment a politician remembers why they are in office -not to hold a title, but to serve something larger than themselves. And if that larger purpose no longer includes them, it is more honorable to walk away.
In short, resignation is not a punishment. It is a defense of democracy. When a politician resigns, democracy is strengthened. Not because a person is punished -but because the citizen is honored.
Politicians Who Resigned and Were Respected
- Resignation out of political sensitivity -when a politician leaves office not due to direct involvement in a scandal or pressure, but because they feel they must take political responsibility- is rare but often memorable. Still, there are several historic examples from Cyprus, Greece, and internationally that remain positively etched in public memory:
- Christos Stylianides (Cyprus, 1999) resigned as Government Spokesman over issues of corruption and public life, when Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides was protected by President Clerides despite allegations. Stylianides acted on principle.
- Kypros Chrysostomides (Cyprus, 2008) resigned as Justice Minister after the escape of convict Antonis Prokopiou Kitas, taking political responsibility in an unprecedented act for Cypriot standards.
- Georgios Rallis (Greece, 1981) resigned from the leadership of the New Democracy party after electoral defeat, stating: “The responsibility for the loss lies primarily with the leader.” He was widely respected for his dignity and commitment to parliamentary principles.
- Stefanos Manos (Greece, 1992) resigned as Minister of National Economy when his proposal for drastic reform measures was rejected. He was appreciated for standing by his convictions.
- Santaro Maruyama (Japan, 1993) resigned as Health Minister over minor budget overspending. The public honored him for assuming political responsibility despite the absence of scandal.
- Mona Sahlin (Sweden, 1995) resigned as Deputy Prime Minister after using a government card to buy chocolates. Called “the person who resigned for 20 euros,” she was later respected for her integrity and returned to politics.
- Robin Cook (UK, 2003) resigned as Foreign Secretary in protest over the Iraq War. His resignation is remembered as a rare act of principle and moral stature.
What Did These Politicians Have in Common?
- They were not forced out by scandal or criminal investigations.
- They assumed political responsibility, even without direct guilt.
- The public acknowledged their integrity-either immediately or over time.
- Many returned to political life with renewed strength.