Cyprus Times

AKEL Leader Accuses President of Undermining Institutions Amidst Video Scandal

Published January 11, 2026, 12:08
AKEL Leader Accuses President of Undermining Institutions Amidst Video Scandal

The General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, has sent a strongly worded open letter to the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, regarding the scandal triggered by the release of a video. Mr. Stefanou accuses the President of 'undermining the institution' with his response to the scandal and urges him to choose between covering up corruption and confronting it. He points out that society is unlikely to be convinced by claims of 'foreign interference,' as was the case in the past with the 'golden passports' scandal. Mr. Stefanou emphasizes that covering up the scandal exposes Cyprus to external threats and that the President has a responsibility to protect the country and its reputation. He also criticizes the involvement of the President's close associates, including his chief of staff, in opaque processes and calls for the immediate dismissal of the chief of staff and the abolition of the fund chaired by the President's wife. The letter concludes by highlighting that a cover-up instead of transparency undermines the effort for a rule of law and leaves Cyprus vulnerable. Mr. Stefanou stresses the need for transparency and accountability to restore public trust in the institutions. Furthermore, it is mentioned that Cyprus has been warned of a potential hybrid war due to its EU Presidency, and there is a possibility of further videos being released.