New Cyprus parliament will be tougher to deal with

Subject

The May 22 parliamentary elections.

Significance

The elections had the lowest turnout in the history of the Republic of Cyprus and brought about significant changes in the composition of the chamber. They were conducted amid a climate of fragile economic recovery and talks with the Turkish Cypriots on reunification. The outcome was a weakening of parliamentary support for the talks and a louder voice for nationalist, anti-austerity and anti-reform views.

Impacts

• The government that is in place will not be affected because Cyprus has a presidential system.
• However, the lack of a parliamentary majority could hinder the Cypriot economy's fragile recovery.
• Resolving the division of Cyprus problem would be a significant positive boost for the very insecure Eastern Mediterranean.