In politics, words are often thrown around carelessly and thoughtlessly. However, there are some limits.

These days, we are witnessing the peak of a drama that began quietly and under the radar several months ago. What started as a drama has now escalated into a public debate, conducted in terms more fitting for a tragedy and marked by a complete lack of seriousness.

It is clear that vested interests are working to ensure that the energy cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, part of the broader EU strategy in the region, fails.

A reality check is needed. Many of those who oppose this project neither care about resolving the Cyprus issue, —an issue they associate with hypothetical risks that some claim may arise from the interconnection— nor are they genuinely concerned about the "economic burden" on Cypriot consumers that supposedly keeps them awake at night.

What likely keeps them awake is the constant pressure from those who are trying, by any means possible, to preserve the oligopolies and monopolies in energy production, management, and supply on the island.

Obviously, the electricity interconnection disrupts their plans. Energy-isolated Cyprus, burdened with hundreds of millions of euros annually for emissions costs, and entirely dependent on domestic, self-proclaimed energy "Fathers" and countries that benefit from keeping Cyprus out of the European path, now has the opportunity to carve out a new direction.

The discussions, consultations, and negotiations to ensure that this energy project is implemented under the best possible terms for Cyprus are the obligation of every government and political leadership. It would be unthinkable for Cyprus, which must make sovereign and independent decisions, to do otherwise.

The opposite side, however, should show greater seriousness.

Statements such as "the Greek Prime Minister has caused a problem for Cyprus" (K. Hadjiyiannis, ALPHA TV Cyprus, 10.09.2024) and that ADMIE, 51% owned by the Hellenic Republic, is some sort of evil villain out to deceive an entire nation, carry considerable weight and significance.

Moreover, if these statements are neither addressed nor condemned by the political party hosting the people making them—especially when this party claims to represent "national responsibility"—then the situation is even more tragic.

A bit more seriousness wouldn’t go amiss.