illegal campaign — illegal campaign — Political parties are raising serious concerns over a video that suggests illegal financing during the 2023 presidential campaign, focusing on the actions of President Nikos Christodoulides. The clip, which has gained traction on platform X, highlights potential misconduct regarding monetary support for the campaign and hints at questionable access for investors to the Presidential Palace.
Opposition leaders have reacted swiftly, calling for immediate transparency from the government. Annita Demetriou, president of the Democratic Rally (DISY), expressed her alarm, stating, “For quite some time now, a video has been circulating that implicates people and the government in illegal practices. I hope it does not correspond to reality. I expect the competent authorities to do the obvious.”
Stefanos Stefanou, the general secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for clear answers regarding the funding issues tied to the Christodoulides administration. “The video circulating on social media raises serious institutional and political issues to which the government must give clear answers. We are waiting and will return to this,” he remarked.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, MP Irene Charalambidou described the video as shocking, emphasising the urgency for an official statement from the government. “If I understand correctly, we are watching a shocking video that features the government with its associated businesspeople! There must be an immediate statement because we will have worse than the assistant’s resignation and the tragicomic events! Now there is also footage. Is it true? Or not?”
Charalambidou directly called on government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis to provide clarity on the situation. Meanwhile, MP Alexandra Attalides remarked sarcastically on the early challenges faced by Christodoulides’ presidency, saying, “Our presidency is starting very well, Nikos Christodoulides. When we talked to you about transparency, you called us toxic!”
As pressure mounts, the lack of an official response from the Presidential Palace is notable. The government faces a critical decision: to deny the allegations outright or to clarify the authenticity and content of the video that has sparked such uproar.
The video has not only ignited political tension but has also prompted discussions about the integrity of the electoral process in Cyprus. It raises questions about how the handling of campaign financing could impact public trust in the government.
In a separate but related development, former minister Emily Thompson shared a tweet suggesting the video uncovers a significant breach of campaign finance laws, alleging that the President exceeded the €1 million campaign finance cap through questionable means involving a family network. “Can’t even describe what I just received! BREAKING BOMBSHELL VIDEO EXPOSES CYPRUS PRESIDENT’S SHADOW CASH MACHINE!” she wrote.
Philenews has published the video in question, clarifying that it does not endorse its content. They indicated that the matter has been referred to the police for investigation, underlining the seriousness of the allegations.