The Independent Social Support Body, headed by the First Lady, is once again in the eye of the storm following the publication of the controversial video featuring Giorgos Lakkotrypis, Charalambos Charalambous, and Giorgos Chrysochoos, who are heard discussing contributions of large sums of money for corporate social responsibility with supposed investors.
Political parties are bringing the issue of public disclosure of contributions to the Body’s Fund back to the table, while AKEL is taking a further step by preparing a bill with the aim of abolishing the body entirely.
AKEL has already sent a relevant letter to the Parliament’s services to prepare a bill promoting the abolition of the Social Support Body. The proposed law will include a provision that, within three months of its passage, once the Body’s obligations are met, its reserve fund will be transferred to the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation (IKYK).
AKEL’s parliamentary group believes the Body has completed its cycle. Having studied the law governing IKYK, they believe the Foundation can offer scholarships not only to high-achieving students but also based on income criteria. Furthermore, since IKYK is legally permitted to receive sponsorships, AKEL believes the proposed law cannot be ruled unconstitutional.
The bill is set to be submitted to the House Plenary for referral to the Institutions Committee, with the goal of immediate discussion.
Meanwhile, yesterday, in a social media post regarding the controversial video, DISY President Annita Demetriou revisited the issue of contribution disclosure. She stated there is anger, but mainly disappointment, as there has been no convincing answer from the government so far. Ms Demetriou emphasised that she expected the obvious from the government, primarily immediate political decisions and actions, such as taking responsibility, launching investigative procedures, and a political decision to disclose contributions to the Body’s Fund, along with drastic changes to its operating method.
According to Demetriou: “If there are no bold decisions and institutional handling as required, the defamation will continue, and our Cyprus will be exposed.”
A statement was also made by DIKO. The party’s MP, Chrysis Pantelides, called on the government in a statement to state radio to publicly disclose the list of donors to prevent the Parliament from legislating something that is unconstitutional.
It is recalled that in 2024, the House Plenary voted on legislation requiring the publication of the list of sponsors to the Independent Social Support Body. However, in April 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled the law unconstitutional.
