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Heated Debate in Parliament over Social Support Agency: First Lady Absent, Accusations Fly

Published January 22, 2026, 20:22

The House Control Committee convened to examine the Auditor General's report on the Independent Social Support Agency. The session was characterized by tension, clashes, and verbal altercations, focusing on the donations received by the Agency and their potential connection to influencing government decisions. The First Lady, Philippa Karsera Christodoulidou, former president of the Agency's administrative committee, was absent from the session due to scheduled commitments, informing the committee via letter. Her absence provoked reactions from the majority of committee members, who wished to receive answers about the Agency's activities. In her letter, Ms. Karsera stated that she did not object to the publication of the details of the sponsorships, but accused some of using the Agency's operation to harm the President of the Republic. MP Christos Christofides of AKEL cited examples of companies and individuals who financially contributed to the Agency while simultaneously benefiting financially from the state. Specifically, he referred to a company that had a long-term contract with the state and from which the public lost significant amounts of money, but which donated €700,000 to the Agency. He also mentioned shipping companies that received co-financed projects from the EU while simultaneously donating substantial sums to the Agency. MP Nikos Georgiou of DISY pointed out to the Agency's treasurer, who is also the state accountant, to ensure transparency in contributions and donations. The police have requested the Audit Office report for their investigations related to a video.