Alpha News

Resignation of First Lady Insufficient, Questions Remain - Alma Movement

Published January 11, 2026, 17:14

The Alma Movement – Citizens for Cyprus deems the resignation of the First Lady, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, from the Social Support Agency insufficient, arguing that the questions surrounding the “black donations” scandal remain unanswered. Alma accuses the First Lady and the President of the Republic of attempting to portray themselves as victims of a political attack, rather than taking their political and institutional responsibilities. The Movement claims that the Presidential Palace operates as an informal mechanism for mediating investment interests, involving relatives and people close to the President, without institutional authority. Particular reference is made to Giorgos Lakkotrypis, who admitted to acting as a paid intermediary for investors. Alma raises questions about the connections to critical energy projects, such as Vasiliko and the Cyprus-Crete electricity interconnection, which are being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Furthermore, it refers to a recent report on a meeting between the President and businessman Giorgos Chrysochos, despite previous assurances of no contact. The Alma Movement reiterates its demands for the abolition or relocation of the Social Support Agency, the resignation of the Director of the President's Office, a full investigation by the Anti-Corruption Authority, and intervention by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, emphasizing that the First Lady's resignation does not close the case.