Reactions continue following the circulation of a leaked video containing allegations of illegal financing, alongside the announcement by the President’s spouse, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, that she is stepping down from the Management Committee of the Independent Social Support Body (AFKS). Developments in the electricity market, the housing shortage and a €50 million investment at Latchi port also feature prominently in today’s Cypriot newspapers.
Alithia writes under the headline “Resignation Without Remorse” that the First Lady’s resignation comes without any acknowledgement of an institutional problem. The paper argues that resignation alone is insufficient, stating that the Fund must be opened to scrutiny and that those in power must be held accountable. It also reports comments by DISY spokesperson Onoufrios Koullas, who said responsibility also lies with parties supporting the government. Elsewhere, Alithia highlights critical obstacles in the electricity market, citing research by Andreas Poullikkas explaining why electricity prices are not falling.
Politis reports, under the title “Joint Teleconference”, that on December 9 the Director of the President’s Office, Charalambos Charalambous, former minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis and the alleged investor Florin Georgiou held a joint Zoom meeting. According to the paper, this was the final contact with the purported investors, who subsequently disappeared. Politis also notes the withdrawal of Karsera Christodoulides from the Independent Social Support Body as the first reactive move by the Presidential Palace and reports that Cyprus’ first crematorium is now expected to begin operating in 2027.
Phileleftheros writes under the headline “Resignations Demanded” that the Presidential Palace is under intense pressure from both governing and opposition parties, which are calling for the resignation of Charalambos Charalambous. In separate coverage, the paper reports that SOPAZ is set to change character through an ambitious development plan that includes residential units and a new school. It also highlights a €50 million investment at Latchi port aimed at a comprehensive upgrade and the transformation of the area into a model destination for maritime tourism.
Haravgi, in its main story titled “Confrontation With Corruption Or Alignment With It”, reports that AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou assigns serious institutional, political and personal responsibility to President Nikos Christodoulides over the leaked video scandal, which he says undermines the rule of law and exposes Cyprus internationally. Elsewhere, the paper focuses on the housing crisis, reporting a need for approximately 43,000 new homes as pressure intensifies, and notes that EKYSY is stepping forward on pension issues, calling for dignity and equal rights for retirees.