Former Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has released a new book titled “The Slanderer“, responding to what he describes as defamatory narratives and unsubstantiated claims against him, including allegations of corruption.
Published by Power Production, the book directly challenges accusations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis, presenting documents and evidence to counter claims of corruption and undermining national interests, according to a statement released on Friday.
“What the Slanderer did not respect is the sacred and non-negotiable duty to the truth,” Anastasiades writes in the book, accusing Drousiotis of “deploying malicious, false and unsubstantiated claims, supposed investigations, glaring contradictions recorded in his narratives, and distortion of documents and minutes”.
The book addresses the controversial “golden passports” citizenship-by-investment programme and provides what Anastasiades describes as documented responses to “defamatory narratives of an obsessive ‘author'”.
It includes references to confidential notes, letters and studies that Drousiotis submitted to Anastasiades during his service at the Presidential Palace and later in 2017.
The publication also presents documents in which Drousiotis allegedly expressed support for Anastasiades while claiming the president was being undermined by Russia. It further contains criticism of former Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades and references to alleged Russian influence over Cypriot political parties and Greek publications, including those of former Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.
Additional allegations addressed in the book include claims about the “tolerance of corruption,” the “cowardice” and “made-to-order” opinions of Costas Clerides, “errors and omissions” by George Pikis, and “lack of objectivity” from Myron Nicolatos and Odysseas Michaelides, as well as a “corrupt” justice system and anti-money laundering unit MOKAS.
The book is available at selected bookshops for €19.90, with net proceeds to be donated to charity.
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