NICOSIA, Cyprus – The surge in support for the far-right Elam party in Cyprus's recent parliamentary elections has ignited fears about the erosion of human rights and the rise of xenophobia in the EU's easternmost state. Elam, a party rooted in anti-immigrant sentiment and inspired by Greece's defunct neo-Nazi Golden Dawn, doubled its seats in the legislature, securing 10.9% of the vote and becoming the third-largest political force.

This electoral success is a stark reminder of the growing appeal of extremist ideologies amid widespread economic insecurity and social divisions. Elam's platform, which includes calls for the closure of checkpoints on the ethnically divided island and vehemently opposes Turkish influence, directly threatens efforts towards reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

The party's gains cannot be viewed in isolation. They reflect a broader trend of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment across Europe, fueled by economic anxieties and a failure to address the root causes of social inequality. The success of Elam, alongside that of new anti-corruption movements like Alma and the Direct Democracy Cyprus group, signals a profound disillusionment with traditional political establishments.

The mainstream parties' relative stability in the face of these challenges should not be mistaken for a victory. It reveals a complacency and an unwillingness to confront the underlying issues that drive voters towards extremist alternatives. The centrist EDEK's failure to even enter parliament demonstrates the depth of this crisis.

The dependence of President Nikos Christodoulides on Elam's support, as highlighted by University of Nicosia professor Hubert Faustmann, is particularly alarming. Christodoulides's alleged flirtation with Elam and the appointment of ministers with sympathetic views to his cabinet raise serious questions about his commitment to human rights and social justice. His government's "tough stance" on immigration, celebrated by some, is perceived by others as a dog whistle to the far-right.

The implications of Elam's increased influence extend beyond domestic policy. Its anti-Turkish rhetoric risks undermining efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and further destabilizing the region. The party's connections to neo-Nazi ideology should be a cause for international concern, particularly within the European Union.