After a lengthy session of the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions on Wednesday, marked by tensions among MPs, it was decided that further discussion will focus on issues raised by a video circulating on social media making allegations against the Christodoulides government.
The Committee’s Chairman and DISY MP, Dimitris Dimitriou, stated that the session must continue as there remain unanswered questions regarding the disclosure of information to Parliament about donors and the legality of Giorgos Lakkotrypis’ private sector activities.
Some questions could not be addressed due to the ongoing criminal investigation ordered by the Attorney General. As noted by the Legal Service, the independent investigator appointed, former Supreme Court Judge Andreas Paschalides, must complete the inquiry within three months, according to his mandate.
'Political thug'
The session focused on questions posed primarily to the State treasurer, Andreas Antoniades, and the Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, regarding matters raised by AKEL MPs about the operation of the Independent Social Support Agency, as well as potential political, institutional, and criminal responsibilities stemming from the content of the video. The video was said to suggest “a mechanism of institutional entanglement and government corruption through the servicing of business interests in exchange for political and financial favours.”
Tensions flared during the session, particularly when independent MP Andreas Themistocleous referred to colleagues as “catty,” commenting on AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaidis’ statements, who in turn called Themistocleous a “political thug.”
Loukaidis raised preliminary questions concerning potential violations of election campaign legislation for the presidential elections, the framework governing meetings between the President and officials, Lakkotrypis’ role, the amounts mentioned as donations in the video, and the quadrupling of donations to the Independent Social Support Agency. He sought answers from Piki and the Comptroller.
Other AKEL MPs raised similar concerns. Irene Charalambidou criticised the state institutions for failing to adequately investigate the video, while Nikos Ketteros and Andreas Pasiourtides referred to attempts at “organised cover-up” and suppression of evidence.
Themistocleous also commended former Presidential Office Director Charalambos Charalambous for his “confidence to resign,” and highlighted discrepancies in election campaign costs, noting that Andreas Mavroyiannis’ 2023 campaign exceeded that of Nikos Christodoulides. He questioned whether the President had knowledge of actions taken by Lakkotrypis and Charalambous.
DISY MP Nikos Georgiou asked why the Council of Ministers ultimately complied with the Auditor General’s recommendations regarding the Independent Social Support Agency.
€500,000 donation for pilot education programme
The Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, explained that a donation from an investor active in Cyprus is still under review. No funds have yet been transferred to the state, confirmed also by the state treasurer.
Piki noted the donation is intended for a pilot school education project in partnership with Open AI. For large private initiatives such as the Autism Centre and the Paediatric Oncology Clinic, she explained, the Ministry of Finance has a defined process to decide whether to proceed, which is being followed in this case.
Donations 'not in cash'
She stressed that government contacts with investors are conducted transparently and primarily serve an informational purpose, after which interested parties are referred to the Business Service Centre.
After the session, Piki stated the government intends “to clarify all issues and restore the truth, especially regarding matters that create a misleading impression of our country and government.” She emphasised that all donations to the Independent Social Support Agency were made via transfers to the Central Bank, never in cash to any government official.
She added that the donor register has historically been available to the auditing authorities, including the Auditor General and Comptroller, and that most donor logos are published on the Agency’s website. She also noted the Constitutional Court rejected MPs’ proposals for public disclosure of donor details.
Piki concluded that the government intends to continue providing support to those assisted by the Agency. She dismissed claims of “black money and secret dealings” as unfounded, adding that such practices have no place in her administration.
The President’s ethics advisor, Giorgos Arestis, clarified that no investigations of ministers are conducted without a complaint or evidence of misconduct. He added that he lacks the personnel for in-depth inquiries and would refer matters to the appropriate authorities, such as the police. He did not pursue an investigation into the video independently.
Legal gap for land developer oversight
Vice President of the Cyprus Bar Association, Andreas Tsardellis, told the Committee that there is a legislative gap regarding oversight of land developers under anti-money laundering law. This was corroborated by a representative of the Association of Chartered Accountants.
Tsardellis called on Parliament to introduce legislation to ensure these investors are subject to checks, noting they represent a large portion of investors operating in Cyprus.
Marios Tanousis, Director General of the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA), explained that the agency conducts preliminary checks on prospective investors who contact them. Some investors may bypass CIPA, but procedures are in place for those formally engaging with the agency.
Fire relief donations
State treasurer Andreas Antoniades said donations for fire relief were held in a transitional account at the Central Bank, not owned by the state, which he manages. A €75,000 donation from Remedica was confirmed in this account.
Regarding corporate social responsibility contributions, Antoniades confirmed no such donations were made directly to the Agency or other funds. He supported legislation mirroring EU Council standards to ensure accountability and transparency.
Data protection and donor privacy issues
Questions arose over the protection of donors’ personal data, particularly regarding political beliefs. The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection explained that parliamentary oversight is not unlimited and that disclosure must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. Corporate data identifying individuals or revealing political beliefs cannot be published. MPs contrasted this with party donor transparency.
Lakkotrypis not registered in lobbying registry
t the Independent Authority Against Corruption confirmed that Lakkotrypis, acting as a lobbyist, is not registered in Cyprus’ lobbying registry. He noted that ongoing criminal investigations limit further comment.
Rule of law 'being erased'
Committee Chairman Demetris Demitriou said many questions remain unanswered. He emphasised respect for the criminal investigation process and Parliament’s role in oversight. He noted that “political issues remain,” highlighting that the President remains exposed by the video.
AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaidis stated the Presidency failed to answer any questions, leaving the President “irreparably exposed,” particularly regarding the alleged institutional corruption mechanism centred on the Presidential Office. He called on the President to acknowledge the institutional wrongdoing and take responsibility.
DIKO MP Panikos Leonidou expressed confidence that issues would be investigated and praised the President’s wife’s resignation from the Agency, signalling appropriate accountability. He indicated DIKO would propose legislation to abolish the institution and create transitional support procedures.
DIIPA MP Alecos Tryfonidis demanded involvement from institutions including the Attorney General, MOKAS, the Anti-Corruption Authority, and the European Public Prosecutor to fully investigate the video and its claims. He stressed that no one is above the law, but investigations must be fair and timely.
Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou described the situation as “institutional derailment,” warning of serious societal consequences, including the erosion of the rule of law and instrumentalisation of institutions. She stressed the need for “absolute transparency, mandatory disclosure, and independent oversight,” noting that MPs faced a “wall of refusal” due to the Data Protection Commissioner’s opinion.