Pandemic politics in Cyprus have not had a decisive impact on party competition,

at least yet. When the elections took place in May 2021 harsh restrictions (lockdowns)

were lifted and the public opinion viewed rather favourably the measures

adopted by the government. No party expressed principled opposition to

these measures; criticism targeted mostly some inconsistencies in their application.

Unlike other far-right parties in Europe, the Greek Cypriot far-right party, the

National Popular Front (ELAM), avoided stating a clear position whether they do

accept the scientific consensus or side with conspiracy theories. Instead, ELAM

focused on criticizing the policies of the government and emphasized individual

liberties/rights arguing against mandatory vaccination. Their electoral share in

the elections increased, compared to the previous elections, but this was rather

related to their overall populist and anti-systemic appeal than pandemic politics

alone.