Dialogos

Zoom Call, Disappearances, and Pressure on the Presidency: 'Videogate' Burns the Christodoulides Government

Published January 12, 2026, 07:04
Zoom Call, Disappearances, and Pressure on the Presidency: 'Videogate' Burns the Christodoulides Government

The government of President Christodoulides remains at the center of a political crisis following the release of a video recording conversations between the Director of the President's Office, Charalambos Charalambous, former minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, and controversial 'investor' Florin Georgiou. The last recorded Zoom conference between the three took place on December 9th and appears to be the final contact with Georgiou, who subsequently disappeared along with his company, Stratix Wealth. The government is attempting to frame the case as part of a 'hybrid attack' against Cyprus, arguing that the video is the product of a foreign scheme. However, the opposition and public opinion remain skeptical and are calling for a full investigation and political accountability. Extensive meetings have been held at the Presidential Palace to manage the crisis. The investigation is focused on both the leak of the video and the substance of the conversations, aiming to determine whether any criminal offenses have been committed. Police have taken statements from Giorgos Lakkotrypis regarding his cooperation with Stratix Wealth, which turned out to be a shell company. The case has international dimensions, as the government cites warnings from Brussels about 'hybrid threats' ahead of taking over the EU Presidency. However, the opposition and public opinion are focused on the potential transactions and relationships between the individuals involved and the Presidential Palace. Further videos or revelations are not ruled out in the future.