A tense and lengthy session of the House Institutions Committee has reignited political controversy in Cyprus, following the circulation of a video alleging links between business interests, donations and the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides.

After hours of heated debate on Wednesday, the Committee decided to continue examining the case, citing unresolved questions over donor transparency, potential conflicts of interest and the activities of businessman Giorgos Lakkotrypis.

Committee Chair and DISY MP Dimitris Dimitriou said key issues remain unanswered, particularly regarding the disclosure of donors and the legal framework governing private individuals involved in state-related initiatives.

Several questions were left unanswered due to an ongoing criminal investigation ordered by the Attorney General. The Legal Service confirmed that the independent investigator, former Supreme Court judge Andreas Paschalidis, must complete his inquiry within three months.

AKEL MPs argued that the video points to a “mechanism of institutional corruption and entanglement”, alleging that business interests were facilitated in exchange for political or financial benefits. Exchanges between MPs were at times explosive, underlining the deep political rift surrounding the case.

Central to the debate were figures submitted by Auditor General Andreas Antoniades, showing that donations to the Independent Social Support Fund increased dramatically after 2023:

• €260,100 in 2022

• €2.27 million in 2023

• €2.18 million in 2024

• €2.05 million in 2025

In 2025 alone, 118 donors contributed more than €2 million. Antoniades stressed that all donations were made via bank transfer to the Central Bank, with no cash involved.

However, MPs demanded full disclosure of donor identities. Antoniades said he is awaiting legal guidance due to data protection concerns—an argument MPs challenged, noting that donors to political parties are publicly disclosed.

Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki confirmed that a proposed €500,000 donation from an investor, reportedly linked to a pilot school education programme with OpenAI, remains under examination and has not been paid to the state.

She rejected allegations of secret dealings, insisting that all government contacts with investors are transparent and that claims of “black money” or hidden routes are unfounded.

The Cyprus Bar Association warned of a legislative gap in anti-money-laundering checks for land developers, calling for tighter regulation. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Authority confirmed that Lakkotrypis is not registered in Cyprus’ lobbying registry, declining further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

In post-session statements, Dimitriou said political responsibility remains unresolved, warning that President Christodoulides remains “exposed” as long as questions go unanswered.

AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaides accused the Presidency of silence and called on the President to acknowledge what he described as a serious institutional failure. Other parties urged restraint but backed a full investigation, while independent MP Alexandra Attalidou warned of heavy consequences for the rule of law without absolute transparency.

The Institutions Committee is expected to reconvene as the political fallout from the video continues to grow.