Political turmoil has erupted in Cyprus after the release of a video, in which close associates of President Nikos Christodoulides are seen talking to unknown individuals (possibly prospective investors who reportedly approached Giorgos Lakkotrypis two years ago) trying to find illegal ways to fund the 2028 presidential election campaign, in exchange for political favors.
The video was posted on the platform X by the account Emily Thompson (@EmilyTanalyst), who describes herself as an “independent researcher, analyst, and lecturer” on U.S. domestic and foreign policy issues.
The video includes, among other things, claims of cash contributions during President Christodoulides’ 2023 election campaign, with quid pro quo arrangements. It is implied that beyond the legally predetermined amount of €1 million that Christodoulides’ campaign team was entitled to use, additional cash was mobilized.
Among those appearing in the video are former Minister of Energy Giorgos Lakkotrypis and the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic Charalambos Charalambous.
The video also shows the former Minister of Energy Giorgos Lakkotrypis, the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic Charalambos Charalambous, and the director of the Cyfield Group Giorgos Chrysochos.
In a statement, the Presidential Palace noted: “In the past few hours, a video has circulated, which, based on the initial assessment of the competent State Service, is characterized as malicious and is a product of editing.”
The Presidency concluded that “the said video seeks to damage the image of the Government and the country through false, misleading claims and arbitrary conclusions,” at a time when the country has assumed the presidency of the EU Council.
Sources: Καθημερινή, News247, Εφ.Συν.
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