A video circulated on social media on Thursday, allegedly linking the Presidential Palace to a corruption case, dominates the front pages of all Cypriot newspapers on Friday. Other leading issues include the decision of the Holy Synod regarding the former Bishop of Paphos, changes in wages due to cost-of-living adjustments (CoLA), energy-related developments, and wider political and institutional implications.
In Alithia, the lead story titled “‘Edited product’ is not an answer” argues that the government’s response to the video circulating online has come under intense pressure. The paper writes that both the Presidential Palace’s announcements and the political conduct of those in power are being scrutinised, stressing that a full investigation is required, as was the case with the Al Jazeera video. Elsewhere, it reports that a financial shortfall exceeding €2 million was left as a “dowry” to the current mayor of Strovolos by former mayor Andreas Papacharalambous. In another article, it notes that gas could start flowing to Egypt by late 2027, provided Cyprus fulfils its obligations.
In Politis, the main headline “New shock video on funding” reports that the footage circulating online casts a heavy shadow over the Presidential Palace, drawing parallels with the Al Jazeera case. Elsewhere, the paper covers Thursday’s Holy Synod meeting, which decided to impose an indefinite suspension rather than defrocking on Bishop Tychikos. In another report, it describes the substance found in water that caused one death as “insidious, odourless, colourless and deadly”.
Phileleftheros leads with the headline “Tremors from new edited video”, reporting that political turmoil has been sparked by footage posted on an online account, in which Lakotrypis and Charalambous appear to “confess” to illegal cash transfers. The government, the paper notes, has described the case as a form of hybrid activity against the Republic of Cyprus. Elsewhere, it reports on the Holy Synod’s decision to place Bishop Tychikos on suspension, while another article refers to errors identified in students’ term grading.
In Haravgi, the front-page headline “Shock video – answers required” describes the footage as another blow to the country’s credibility, raising serious institutional, political and ethical questions for the government regarding donations and favourable treatment. Elsewhere, the paper writes that the upward wage adjustment through CoLA for 2025 is barely noticeable. In another article, it reports that there has been no new development following the meeting of negotiators on the Cyprus issue.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with the headline “Undercover video shakes government”, reporting that the footage aims to expose alleged illegal methods used to finance President Nikos Christodoulides’ election campaign. Elsewhere, it covers a recommendation by the Audit Office to block funding to political parties. In another report, it notes that the President of the Republic underlined the important role of the Arab League.
The weekly Gnomi runs with the headline “Panic at the Presidential Palace”, claiming that the video reveals an alleged network of illegal financing linked to President Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera. Elsewhere, it writes that celebrations by the right in support of Donald Trump amount to a “stab in the body of Cyprus”. In another piece, it describes the minimum wage as a wage of survival and criticises what it calls social hypocrisy.
Finally, the weekly Cypriot Pontiki leads with the headline “The great ‘theft’ of millions from emissions auctions”, referring to what it describes as shocking data and questioning where €94.6 million ended up. Elsewhere, it reports on the year’s top Google searches, while another article notes a surge in gold prices to $4,420 amid developments in Venezuela.