A major pan-European study has identified Cyprus as having one of the continent's ten highest levels of xenophobia, according to newly released findings. The research, conducted as part of the European Social Survey (ESS), also documents a profound and systemic erosion of trust in national institutions over nearly two decades, coupled with a stark divide between citizens' commitment to democratic ideals and their deep dissatisfaction with its practical implementation on the island.
The data, analysed by academics from the University of Cyprus Field Research Centre and the Cyprus University of Technology, stems from the latest rounds of the biannual ESS. The survey, which compares attitudes across over thirty European nations, was administered within the government-controlled areas of the Republic. For the current round, which began in late 2025, a rigorous methodology was employed, involving random household selection and a birthday-based criterion to choose respondents, ensuring a robust and representative sample of the population.
The results paint a concerning picture of societal attitudes. While xenophobic sentiment places Cyprus in an unwelcome top tier among European states, the crisis of confidence appears most acute in the domestic political sphere. Trust in local politicians and political parties is described as being at a critically low ebb, having declined consistently since 2006. In a telling contrast, external institutions such as the European Parliament and the United Nations garner significantly more public confidence than Cyprus's own House of Representatives. Researchers noted only a marginal recent uptick in trust towards domestic political figures, a change tentatively linked to the emergence of new political entities.
Perhaps the most striking contradiction uncovered is the chasm between principle and practice. Cypriot citizens express strong allegiance to democratic values, yet their assessment of how democracy functions in their country remains, in the words of the analysis, "hopelessly low." Scholars involved have issued a stark warning regarding this "dangerous gap between values and political reality," suggesting a population that believes in democracy but feels increasingly alienated from its outcomes.
The implications of these findings are substantial for social cohesion and governance. Persistent xenophobia poses challenges for integration and community relations, while the deficit in political trust undermines the legitimacy of institutions. The University of Cyprus has emphasised the ongoing importance of the survey, urging households contacted for the 2025-2026 round to participate, as the accuracy and utility of the data for future policy formulation hinge directly on public engagement.
As the survey continues to track evolving attitudes, it provides a crucial longitudinal and comparative benchmark. The data not only situates Cyprus within a broader European context but also signals urgent areas for civic and political attention, highlighting the need for mechanisms to bridge the growing disconnect between the public and the structures that govern them.