The House Audit Committee examined today the Audit Office report on the Social Welfare Foundation in the absence of the First Lady, Filippa Karsera, with the discussion unfolding in a particularly tense atmosphere.
At the outset of the meeting, Committee Chair Zacharias Koulias informed members of the First Lady’s absence and read out a relevant letter. According to the letter, Ms Karsera was unable to attend as she was chairing another committee in the context of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency. She noted that she had submitted her key positions in writing to assist the Committee’s work and expressed readiness to appear before the House at a future session if deemed necessary.
Criticism from MPs
Ms Karsera’s absence prompted strong reactions, with AKEL MP Christos Christofides arguing that the First Lady should have been present at the session rather than “sending her technocrats,” unless, as he remarked pointedly, “it is the technocrats who carried out the mediations with the companies.”
The floor was then taken by Auditor General Andreas Papakonstantinou, who briefly outlined the Audit Office’s findings.
High-Intensity Debate
The discussion that followed, held in the presence of the Foundation’s treasurer and Accountant General Andreas Antoniades, proceeded at a high pitch, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the handling and oversight of the Social Welfare Foundation.
DISY MP challenged Auditor General over transparency
Beyond the criticism over the absence of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, MPs also raised objections to the stance taken by the Auditor General during the Audit Committee meeting.
Speaking on behalf of Democratic Rally (DISY), MP Nikos Georgiou told Andreas Antoniadis that, beyond his role as treasurer of the Foundation, he also serves as the state’s chief accountant and therefore has a duty to ensure transparency in contributions and donations made to the state. He pointed out that the law requires donations exceeding €5,000 to be made public.
In response, the Auditor General reacted strongly, stating that he would consider leaving the discussion, saying he would not accept “insinuations” against him.
Ultimately, he remained in the room and the discussion continued.