Former Cyprus Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis Defends Opposition to Greek National Anthem

Former Cypriot justice minister Emily Yiolitis said on a podcast that she disagrees with the country using Greece’s national anthem, arguing that Cyprus should be seen as an independent state with its own symbols. She said critics had misrepresented her remarks and that the Greek “Hymn to Liberty” is tied to Hellenic history but does not reflect Cyprus’s sovereignty. Yiolitis added that a reunified Cyprus could eventually adopt a common anthem that would honour the sacrifices of EOKA fighters. She also criticised the bizonal, bicommunal federation model, called for an end to propaganda in schoolbooks, and said she would vote for a capable Turkish‑Cypriot president. Yiolitis resigned as justice minister after a dispute with President Nicos Anastasiades, claiming she left the cabinet “with clean hands.”