**PAPHOS, CYPRUS** – In a remarkable development that has sent ripples through Cypriot political circles, Louiza Andreou, the wife of Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos, has formally petitioned the Cyprus Police to cease their ongoing investigation into allegations of domestic violence against her husband. The probe, initiated ex-officio by the police following widely circulated social media reports and the disclosure of pertinent documents, now faces an unprecedented intervention from the Ministry of Interior, which is meticulously examining the ramifications for the mayor’s tenure.
The controversy erupted in the days leading up to January 25th, 2026, when individuals began disseminating information online that purportedly detailed an incident of domestic violence involving Mayor Phedonos. This online dissemination prompted an immediate, proactive inquiry by the Cyprus Police. The gravity of the accusations and their public nature necessitated a swift response from law enforcement, who have since been engaged in the arduous process of gathering statements and evaluating the evidence presented.
Adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation, the Ministry of Interior, under the purview of Minister Constantinos Ioannou, has formally requested a comprehensive briefing from the Chief of Police regarding the specifics of the investigation. This governmental intervention signals a serious consideration of the potential consequences for the mayor, particularly concerning the provisions of the Law on Municipalities, enacted in 2022. The Ministry's inquiry is ostensibly geared towards ascertaining whether the alleged misconduct, should it be substantiated, warrants the mayor’s administrative leave or even outright suspension from his official duties, as stipulated by Article 113 of the aforementioned law.
Sources indicate that Mrs. Andreou’s appeal to halt the police investigation was submitted via a formal letter to the authorities. Responding to queries, police spokesperson Christodoulos Konsolos confirmed the receipt of this document, stating, "The document is currently being reviewed by investigators." This confirmation underscores the delicate balance law enforcement must strike between conducting a thorough and impartial investigation and acknowledging the requests of those directly involved. Furthermore, it is understood that Mrs. Andreou has also reportedly implored the authorities for a public declaration affirming the termination of the inquiry, a request that further highlights the personal and public pressures surrounding the case.
Mayor Phedonos himself has not remained silent amidst these escalating developments. He has vociferously denounced the allegations, characterising them as integral to what he perceives as a "merciless war" waged against him. In a strong public statement, the mayor has accused an amalgamation of political, economic, and organised crime interests of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to target him and, by extension, his family. This counter-narrative positions the domestic violence claims as a strategic manoeuvre within a broader political conflict, an assertion that has undoubtedly complicated the public’s perception of the unfolding events.
The ramifications of this investigation extend beyond the immediate legal and administrative proceedings. Should the police find sufficient grounds to proceed, Mayor Phedonos could face a period of administrative leave or suspension, a decision that would inevitably cast a shadow over the governance of Paphos. The Ministry of Interior’s proactive engagement suggests a commitment to upholding municipal integrity and ensuring that any alleged transgressions are met with appropriate scrutiny. As the police continue their review and the Ministry awaits its briefing, the coming days are poised to be critical in determining the trajectory of this high-profile case, with significant implications for both the individuals involved and the political landscape of the region.