A new video has caused a big problem for President Nikos Christodoulides. It shows serious claims about illegal campaign money. These happened during his 2023 election campaign. The video suggests ways to spend more money than allowed. It also hints at a system where business people paid for access. They could meet important officials, including the president and his wife.
The allegations focus on former minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis. He is seen clearly in the video. The video suggests campaign money limits were broken. It also mentions cash payments managed by Charalambos Charalambous. He is the president's brother-in-law. The amount of money involved is about €1 million.
The government answered quickly on Thursday. A spokesman called the video a "hybrid activity." He said it was made to harm Cyprus. He stated it has fake information and wrong ideas. An early check by a state agency shows the video is edited.
Giorgos Lakkotrypis strongly denies the video's meaning. He says his words were changed. He thinks the video was released at a bad time. This was right after Cyprus took over the EU Council presidency. Lakkotrypis has filed a police report. He wants to show proof he is telling the truth.
Opposition parties are worried. They want answers quickly. They fear people will lose trust in the government. Some members of parliament also shared their worries. They say honesty is very important now.
The attorney-general and police chief know about this. State services are looking into it. They think it is a hybrid attack on Cyprus. The people who filmed Mr. Lakkotrypis pretended to be investors. Lakkotrypis met them as a company board member. This situation makes us question campaign money rules. It also makes us question the honesty of elections in Cyprus.