Impact of security developments on political approval ratings in Cyprus

Following the crash of a drone at British Bases in Cyprus on March 1, the government responded by coordinating with international partners. Greece deployed four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, while France also engaged in the regional security efforts. A tripartite meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and President Emmanuel Macron took place at the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos. Simultaneously, the country has been managing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. According to a RAI Consultants poll for ALPHA TV, President Christodoulides' positive approval rating rose to 39%, up from 33% in February and 26% in October 2024. The survey suggests this increase is linked to the perceived success of the established anti-aircraft protection measures. While government approval has grown, public trust in traditional political parties remains low. Analysts are debating whether this security response represents a genuine long-term defense strategy or a performative measure.