Citizens increasingly feel that what they see and experience is nothing but fragments of a poorly directed performance.
One of the first episodes occurred after the incidents against migrants in Chloraka, when the President summoned the then police chief and Justice Minister to the presidential palace to reprimand them while someone (following orders) recorded the scene, which was subsequently circulated everywhere to demonstrate the President’s firmness in handling difficult situations.
Although no one was convinced by the authenticity of the scene, the President continued in the same pattern, with a more recent episode being his communication with the president of the hunters’ association. This was also poorly staged, with the camera ready to record the scene of the two presidents conversing.
And since the role of the dynamic leader is already taken, the Speaker of Parliament has chosen that of the emotional leader. One day she dresses in black and wears a mask of grief for the loss of Georgios Grivas, whose death occurred 51 years ago.
Another day she dresses in blue and kneels over the graves of EOKA heroes at the Imprisoned Graves, with the same sorrowful expression.
The role of entertainer, which is the most popular, has been secured by MEP Fidias, who certainly entertains the crowds but annoys the other protagonists of public life.
From Chris Triantafyllidis to the Archbishop, whom he addresses in TikTok style and flawless informal language: “What exactly do you want me to do that I haven’t done?”.
With the same confidence, he addresses the President (after all, they’re in the same series) inviting him to meet for discussions. The agenda will be determined by the citizens themselves, who pose questions to Fidias to relay.
The President doesn’t respond to written appeals, but when his refusal becomes widely known, he arranges an appointment for April 14th.
However, that’s Holy Monday, and the President might prefer to attend church, leaving Victor or someone else to replace him. Just as he did with the hunters.
There are many extras in this spectacle. Mayors, MPs, those interested in the presidency or some other role.
Most adopt an accusatory tone. And although viewers are increasingly distancing themselves, preferring professional entertainment or their own peace and quiet, the show doesn’t close.
One episode follows another with roles firmly distributed.