So far, we have introduced two topics relevant to the overall political environment in Cyprus. The first one was about organized citizens outside formal party structures and the second was about campaign finance. The discussion of both revealed some interesting aspects of both perception and opinion regarding the dynamics of the system. A third topic, directly related to the last two, I would like to bring up for your comment and ideas is the type, nature and quality of the politicians, themselves.
In short, who gets involved with politics in Cyprus and why? When you see these people what is the first thing that comes to your mind? What kinds of characters are they, do you think? Do you look up to them for guidance and leadership? Do you really care about what they say? When was the last time you singled out a politician for his ability to offer innovative suggestions, practical solutions, smart ideas that push society forward?
What matters most to you when you select someone for office? His looks? His ability to put a sentence together? His academic record? His profession? His family name? His party? His position on the Cyprus issue? The number of years he is involved with politics? His social/ political activism? His wealth? All of these? Anything else?
Last but not least, why aren't many women actively present in Cyprus politics? Is it because they don't care enough? Is it because men don't let them? Is it because they have too much in to do already, i.e. work, household, children, husband? Is it because they have better things to do?
I know, probably you wander why all these questions and no short introduction. Well, obviously, what matter most in the selection of one's representative is one's own set of criteria.
The criteria I consider before selecting a representative are, without a particular order: a) Position and actions in respect to the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue and reunite Cyprus. What kind of a solution does he envisions for Cyprus? How can he lead us to implement it? b) Level of familiarity. Do I know him personally and in what capacity? Have I interacted with this person somehow? Can he be the advocate of my interests if I ever need him to be? c) His ideas and ability to express them. Is what he says innovative and practical? Is he a man of our times? Does he articulate his position well? Does he makes sense or is he talking from both ends? Can his ideas and positions stand the scrutiny of public dialogue? d) His education. Is he truly educated (not necessarily a college graduate since many of those are not educated...just certified for supposedly being trained in something). e) His professional background. Did he ever had a real job, paid bills, understands what everyday life is or was he always "playing" high politics? f) Practical problem solving skills and solutions oriented mentality. Can he offer solutions and ways of applying them? Are these solutions most likely to leave most of us better off or worst? g) International stature. Can he have a presence outside Cyprus? Can he comprehend the complex transnational economic, political and social challenges facing our interdependent societies and can he offer solutions?
Looking forward to reading your comments and what you consider as important in selecting your representatives.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I score these out of 10, with 10 being the most important aspect for me and 1 the least:
1. His looks = 5
2. Put a sentence together = 7
3. His academic record = 8
4. His profession = 9
5. His family name = 3
6. His party = 2
7. Cyprus issue = 1
8. Political experience = 6
9. Social/ political activism = 10
10. His wealth = 4
I score the Cyprus issue the least because I honestly do not believe that his/her position on the Cyprus issue will in any way influence the resolution of this problem... others still decide for us the outcome. On the other hand activism, or as I like to call it "putting yourself out there, taking a stand" is paramount. A man/woman who is not willing to take a stand is incapable of leadership...
Profession and academic record play a big role to me bc a person who was handed down wealth, and never had to struggle for anything in life is the least suited to lead in my opinion.
Generally speaking in Cyprus I have not seen a "leader" in a long time, but we have an abundance of politicians.
Sarkozy in France is a good example of a leader. He took clear-cut positions that made him enemies. Blair in England is another example. Merkel is a politico, and so was Clinton. So its not to say that leaders = good, politicos = bad... not at all... its just how I in particular vote. I am inticed by the "leader" brand, not the "politician" brand. I voted for Clinton, despite his "politico" branding... just goes to show you nothing is written in stone.
See in the movie "300" a politician would never have kicked the ambassador of Xerxes shouting at him "This is Sparta"... a politician probably would have sought out a back door deal, and then were would be today.
The halls of time echo the words and actions of great leaders. Leaders are rare. Politicians are a dime a dozen.
Idiosyncracies are very important in my opinion, and broad stroke positioning is just a smoke screen.
-Panos
The factors I take into consideration when valuating a politician are as follows:
Vision: A politician must plan and have a vision for beyond the following election. An exemplary politician in this sense is Glafkos Clerides. When he, and Giannakis Matsis, spoke of a European future for Cyprus back in the late 1970s and early 1980s they were ostracized and often ridiculed. Now , and prior to our EU accession might I add, everyone became pro-European. Even leftist AKEL, even though it only jumped the wagon in 1996. Now it's fashionable to name parties with "EURO" in their name, just like the kiosks and butcheries "Euro-Periptero" and "Euro-Kasapis" of some sorts.
Integrity: A politician must be true to himself and take responsibility for his actions, especially the actions of his subordinates. I hate politicians who provide excuses for the actions of people under their command. "Arhi tis dioikisis einai o eleghos". Politicians must step down when they screw up. I want a politician who publicizes his campaign expenditure and voting record in parliament so I know where he is coming from. I want a politician with straight-talk views on taxation, gay rights, abortion, secularism, Cyprus problem, economy etc. I do not know of such a Cypriot politician. George Bush is exemplary; you may not like his policies but you know where he is standing. John Kerry on the other hand is much more likable but a flip-flop and incoherent.
International standing: If we were China, India, the UK or the USA then the international stature of our politicians wouldn't matter as much because our political bulwark would get the job done; you may not agree with Saudi Arabia's human rights record, but you will still trade for its oil. But since we are a drop of water in an ocean of politics we need a politician that people and governments abroad feel they can work with. A good example again would be Ioannis Kasoulides and Glafcos Clerides (yes, I am biased towards Clerides). Bad examples include Vladimir Putin, Rauf Denktash and Tassos Papadopoulos. In an ideal world world, politics would be a matter of principle (in which case Tassos would be right) but since we do not live in a society of angels, we need somebody of greater stature.
I find both comments interesting and thought provoking. There are merits in what you say. However, it seems that we intuitively consider everyone who is engaged with the needy greedy of the political process as a politico rather than a leader. Well, leaders sometime arise because times and circumstances demand their presence, and one whom we all considered a politico at one time may turn out to be a great leader the next. However, the chances are for a politico to do what he has always been doing, i.e. negotiate, cut a back door deal, etc or give in or outmaneuver the opponent and become a…leader! Also, not all politicos are leaders and certainly not all leaders can navigate their way through the system in order to one day lead.
Having said that, I personally believe in being very careful when selecting a representative, because what you see may not be what you get or even worst you may end up getting what you don't need. This last point has to do with the marketing of politics, where supply creates in own demand and where "wants" and "needs" may not always go hand in hand. Also, lets always keep in mind that while many say that what is defined as real has real consequences, few realize that what is not real is hard to be defined in the first place…
Basil
I have to agree with firfiris that Clerides was a great leader, one of the greatest Hellenism has known. Vassiliou was more of a Clintonian and the current regime reminds me alot of the Bushistic frame of mind.
Like I have already said... politicos are very plentiful, and leaders are rare. Its not very hard to give people what they want. It is very hard to do the right thing?
-Panos
Post a Comment