A video from independent journalist Emily Thompson on platform X has created quite a buzz. It talks about campaign funding for Nikos Christodoulides ahead of the 2028 presidential elections and how to get close to the President of the Republic.
This video, similar in style to Al Jazeera’s documentary Cyprus Papers, includes clips from private chats with people said to be close to the President. It features Charalambos Charalambous, head of the Presidential Office, former minister George Lakkotrypis, and businessman George Chrysoschoos, CEO of Cyfield. The video claims these individuals were recently introduced as investors interested in Cyprus activities.
‘The money is in cash’
A big part of the conversations focuses on campaign funding rules and limits. In one key moment, George Lakkotrypis mentions that the funding cap for presidential elections is about one million euros. He adds that if they go over this limit, ‘sometimes they have to rely on cash.’ This comment isn’t tied to any specific people or actions but is part of a general discussion.
Access to the Presidential Office and investment interest
In another clip, Mr. Charalambous explains how investors can access the Presidential Palace. He uses phrases that suggest informal ways of communication. ‘We are the main contacts here at the Palace, next to the President,’ he says. He also mentions that anyone can approach the President by showing interest in investment activities and having available funds, which could look like contributions under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines.
References to Cyfield and proximity to the President
In a different clip, Cyfield CEO George Chrysoschoos talks about his close ties with the President. ‘If I call him now, he will answer,’ he reportedly says, adding: ‘He is like my girlfriend.’ He also shares: ‘I can speak freely with him. I see him every two weeks,’ explaining that he avoids public meetings with him to prevent any impression that ‘that’s why he helps him.’
Our website reached out to the Presidential Office for a statement about the video’s content but hasn’t heard back yet.
Experts we spoke with believe it’s unlikely that this video was made using artificial intelligence.
The video was first shared by SigmaLive and later picked up by other online media outlets.
The General Secretary of AKEL and the President of DISY have already commented and are asking for explanations from the government on this matter:
