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Clirides: 'Videogate' Raises Ethical Concerns Over Sponsorships to the First Lady's Foundation

Published January 16, 2026, 08:21
Clirides: 'Videogate' Raises Ethical Concerns Over Sponsorships to the First Lady's Foundation

Christos Clirides, President of DIMAL, commented on the 'Videogate' case and the ethical issues arising from sponsorships to the Foundation managed by the First Lady. He emphasized that the case has caused turmoil and that there is disagreement between the Presidential Palace, which denies the allegations, and the opposition parties, which accuse it of opacity. Clirides argued that the appointment of an independent criminal investigator is the correct institutional way to clarify the events. He acknowledged that allegations of corruption and illegal funding have already damaged the government's image. The investigation will examine all election expenses, including those of President Christodoulides. Furthermore, Clirides stated that the authenticity of the video is crucial to the course of the investigation, but regardless, the events recorded raise serious ethical concerns. He expressed the view that managing funds through the Presidential Palace creates an ethical problem and should be done by independent organizations. Finally, he referred to the discussion on the parliamentary immunity of MP Sykas and the legal framework governing the case.