European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, left, is welcomed by Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Jan. 7, 2026, as Cyprus is holding the official commencement ceremony for its six-month EU presidency. [Petros Karadjias/AP]
A secretly recorded video has triggered a political crisis in Cyprus, showing government officials discussing campaign financing methods and alleged sanctions evasion just one day after the country assumed the EU presidency.
The footage shows former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, presidential office director Charalampos Charalambous, and Cyfield group construction executive Giorgos Chrysochos discussing ways to fund President Nikos Christodoulides’ campaign through cash or contributions to a social support fund managed by First Lady Philippa Karsera.
The presidency dismissed the video as a “malicious montage” and “hybrid activity” targeting Cyprus’ reputation. Christodoulides publicly challenged anyone with evidence of bribery to present it to authorities. Opposition parties demanded explanations and proposed legislation to abolish the social fund within three months.
A 2025 audit found the fund lacked transparency regarding private contributions.