Alpha News

Over €7 Million in Funding for Cypriot Parties: Addressing Illegal Grants

Published January 5, 2026, 19:18

The Council of Ministers has approved a state grant of €6.7 million for political parties for 2024. The allocation of funds is based on the results of previous parliamentary elections, with DISY receiving the largest share (€1.980 million) followed by AKEL (€1.620 million). Additionally, €6 million will be allocated to cover salaries and benefits for parliamentary associates, as well as other initiatives such as supporting youth organizations and promoting the Cyprus issue abroad. However, the payment of the grant is accompanied by an outstanding issue: illegal grants made in 2018 and 2021, totaling €2.668 million. The Auditor General proposed offsetting this amount against the new grant in order to return the funds to the state. Parties such as the Citizens' Alliance and the Solidarity Movement had received part of these grants, while AKEL is the only party that has returned them. If the offset is made, the funds will be reallocated to other parties, such as DIPA, ELAM, EDEK, DISY, and the Ecologists' Movement. However, the Auditor General's recommendation is not expected to be accepted by the parties, who urgently need the grant for their election campaigns. The entire process highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to political parties, as well as the need for effective control mechanisms to prevent illegal practices.