Former MP George Varnavas welcomed on Friday the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority in relation to his March 2023 complaint against EDEK leader and MP Marinos Sizopoulos, saying the report confirms the public's demand for justice and transparency.
In a strongly worded statement, Varnavas said the Authority’s conclusions reflect widespread public frustration over political corruption, noting that citizens are tired of seeing those in power abuse their positions while ordinary people face harsh economic realities — including the loss of their homes to foreclosure.
"The Cypriot people have placed their hopes in the Anti-Corruption Authority," he said, adding that the report confirms what he had long stated publicly: that a political leader allegedly used his office for personal gain during the controversial 'golden passports' period from 2017 to 2019.
Varnavas directed sharp criticism at the Attorney General’s office, referencing its 2020 decision to shelve the original file on the case. He warned that this time, people are watching closely and expect the matter to proceed through the courts, not be archived once again.
"There is no excuse this time — no so-called public interest to justify burying the case," he said. "The Attorney General must now rise to the occasion."
Referring to what he described as a long history of political protection, Varnavas said that Sizopoulos had benefitted from powerful connections in the past. "I hope that such ‘uncles in high places’ are no longer around," he added.
He also called on political leaders and institutions to move beyond empty rhetoric and take real action against corruption, noting that many of those who now remain silent once took to the streets in protest over similar scandals.
"As a former public official and a citizen who still cares deeply about this country’s political life, I cannot accept corruption — wherever it comes from," he said. "I will continue to stand against a corrupt system, especially those politicians who hold the fate of our people in their hands."
