Christodoulides Considers Abolition of State Funding Body Following Video Scandal

Speaking on Monday morning, the President addressed the fallout from a manipulated video—linked by intelligence services to a Russian “Doppelganger” disinformation campaign—which alleged that the Body was used as a vehicle for corporate “pay-for-play” schemes. The footage suggested that businesses were making donations to the fund in exchange for political favours and direct access to the Presidential Palace.

“My first thought is the complete abolition of the Body,” Christodoulides told reporters, adding that he approaches the matter with the utmost seriousness. He confirmed that he has requested a full investigation by the competent authorities to ensure “not the slightest shadow” remains over his administration’s integrity.

The President’s proposal follows the high-profile resignation on Sunday of the First Lady, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides, from her role as chair of the ISSB Management Committee. In a public statement, the First Lady cited a “relentless and merciless attack” against her and her family as the reason for her departure. She stated she would no longer allow the integrity of the President to be slandered under the “pretext” of the Body’s operations, which primarily provides scholarships to disadvantaged students.

The scandal has already claimed one senior official; Charalambos Charalambous, the Director of the President’s Office, resigned on Monday to prevent his presence in government from being “exploited” by those behind the video. The footage included spliced recordings of Charalambous and former minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, which the government maintains were edited to falsely suggest that cash donations were used to bypass the €1 million presidential campaign spending limit.

President Christodoulides also confirmed that foreign states are providing “important assistance” in tracing the digital origins of the “hybrid operation.” Intelligence analysts believe the release was timed to coincide with Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency and recent high-level security discussions with US officials.

While the Law Office reviews the forensic data, opposition parties have raised calls for transparency, demanding the public disclosure of all donors to the Independent Social Support Body.

In April 2025, the Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus delivered a unanimous ruling that struck down a transparency law aimed at forcing the Independent Social Support Body to disclose its private donors.

The court ruled on 11 April 2025 that the legislation was unconstitutional, finding that it violated fundamental rights concerning the protection of private life and personal data.

Source: In-Cyprus