Alpha News

Outcry Over Controversial Video: President's Explanations to DIKO, Parties Demand Thorough Investigation

Published January 12, 2026, 07:30

A political uproar has erupted in Cyprus following the release of a video on X (formerly Twitter). The video appears to involve Charalambos Charalambous and Giorgos Lakkotrypis in discussions with an investor, raising questions about potential transparency issues and corruption. The First Lady, Philippa Karsera, has resigned from the Independent Social Support Agency, but this has not quelled the reactions. A delegation from DIKO met with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Saturday evening, followed by a party meeting on Sunday. DIKO parliamentary spokesman Panikos Leonidas stated that the party is concerned about both the origin of the video and the potential targeting of the President, as well as its content, which is reportedly displeasing to the President. Mr. Leonidas mentioned that the President could not provide detailed explanations regarding Charalambous' references to Lakkotrypis due to the lack of completed investigations. DIKO is calling for legal investigations into the origin and content of the video, as well as the handling of the issue concerning Mr. Charalambous. AKEL, for its part, criticizes the government for focusing on the origin of the video and its indifference to the content. AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros described the government's approach as "communication management". DISY also expressed its disappointment with the situation.