A prominent civic movement in Cyprus, 'Alithia-Citizens for Cyprus' (Álma), has issued a strong condemnation of President Nikos Christodoulides. The group accuses the President of evading crucial questions and attempting to legitimise practices that allegedly exceed established legal and institutional boundaries. This criticism follows recent statements made by the President concerning the deeply controversial "black donations scandal," which has significantly impacted perceptions of political financing and the attraction of foreign investment.
In a strongly worded press release published yesterday, Álma expressed its profound disappointment with the President's public discourse. The movement asserts that he is endeavouring to normalise activities that are clearly outside the legal framework and potentially criminal in nature. Álma specifically highlighted the President’s acknowledgement that his own brother-in-law, Charalambos Charalambous, who also holds the position of his Office Director, was involved in processes of attracting and licensing foreign investors. This involvement, alongside that of political confidant Giorgos Lakkotrypis, is viewed with grave concern.
The core of Álma's accusation centres on what it perceives as the President's deliberate attempt to blur the lines between distinct, yet equally problematic, practices. By drawing an analogy between the now-discredited "golden passport" scheme and the alleged "black donations" for similar investment purposes, the movement contends that the President is providing a veneer of legitimacy to illicit or potentially criminal activities. This action, Álma argues, amounts to an institutionalisation of politically unacceptable conduct, effectively masking actions that should be subjected to rigorous legal scrutiny.
Further supporting their assertions, Álma drew attention to a specific video recording. In this excerpt, the President's relative is purportedly heard suggesting a clandestine arrangement to an investor. The transcript indicates an offer of financial contributions for "Corporate Social Responsibility" purposes in direct exchange for the expediting of "work." This alleged quid pro quo, Álma maintains, exemplifies the ethically compromised transaction the President appears intent on downplaying.
The movement further inferred that the President’s current approach bears a striking resemblance to that of his predecessor, Nicos Anastasiades. This suggests a continuity in the justification of ethically dubious practices within the highest levels of government. Álma’s stance underscores a broader concern within Cypriot civil society regarding transparency and accountability in political dealings, particularly those involving substantial financial flows and foreign investment. These accusations challenge the integrity of the administration's handling of financial impropriety and raise significant questions about the erosion of institutional probity and adherence to the rule of law.