"All businesses surveyed for a new Eurobarometer report believe corruption is widespread, which makes the island the leading EU country in this category, closely followed by Greece...seen the biggest change with an increase of 16 percentage points. Since 2015, Cyprus has seen the biggest change with an increase of 16 percentage points. While in 2013 only a minority (47 per cent) viewed nepotism as an issue, now nearly three quarters (72 per cent) do...As in the previous survey, companies in Bulgaria and Cypus, with 87 per cent each, are the most likely to agree bribery and the use of connections is often the easiest way to obtain certain public services in their country."
J undoubtedly right in seeing the country as essentially tribal. Hence many Cypriots will not only recommend a relative or friend when asked for advice on sales or services but will also patronise businesses owned by relations and friends themselves even though prices may be higher or products inferior. Presumably there are long term benefits regardless but one does learn to ask ex pats rather than locals for recommendations in order to obtain a disinterested (NOT uninterested) opinion.
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