Concerns are growing over the lengths the government is willing to go to maintain the confidentiality of donors contributing to the Social Support Fund. The recent refusal by President Christodoulides to sign a law requiring transparency for donations exceeding €5,000 has sparked a debate about the balance between privacy and accountability. Critics argue that the government is taking extraordinary measures to shield donor identities, while proponents of the law emphasize the need for transparency in charitable operations.

More specifically, President Nikos Christodoulides has taken a decisive step by refusing to sign a newly passed law aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability for the Independent Social Support Body, a charity fund managed by Philippa Karsera. The President has instead referred the legislation to the Supreme Constitutional Court, seeking its annulment.

The law, which was passed by the House of Representatives a month ago, requires the publication of the names of individuals and entities donating more than €5,000 to the fund. The charity in question, which operates exclusively on private donations, is dedicated to supporting underprivileged students pursuing higher education.

The legislation originated from a proposal submitted by DISY MPs Nikos Georgiou and Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis. Their aim was to introduce greater financial transparency by ensuring that the Independent Social Support Body publishes a detailed record of its income and contributors on its website. The proponents of the bill argue that increased transparency is essential for maintaining public trust in the fund’s operations.