Dialogos

Letymbiotis: The Fund remains – The Presidential obsession with a 'parallel state' of Philanthropy

Published January 12, 2026, 08:01
Letymbiotis: The Fund remains – The Presidential obsession with a 'parallel state' of Philanthropy

The departure of Philippa Karsera-Christodoulidou from the Independent Social Support Fund appears to be more of a public relations move than a substantial reform, as the fund continues to operate under the same structure. The government rejected a proposal to merge with the State Scholarships Foundation (SSF), insisting on maintaining a 'flexible' mechanism for social policy. The refusal to transfer funds to the SSF, which has established and transparent procedures, suggests the Presidential Palace's desire to maintain direct communication with private donors. Political accusations of 'collusion' indicate that the mechanism continues to operate under opaque conditions. Despite statements about strengthening support for students, the government appears to be exploiting the needs of students to legitimise a system that receives contributions from individuals with ties to the state. The audits focus on the flow of funds from the Fund to the student, but not from the donor to the Fund. The preservation of the fund, despite the First Lady's departure, highlights the lack of willingness to address the root of the problem. The fund remains a 'fortress' of the Presidential Palace, a parallel power system that avoids democratic control.