Nicosia, Cyprus. A bill was tabled in parliament on Thursday to make an independent social support body more transparent by requiring it to publish donors’ names and the amounts contributed. The fund has faced scrutiny over claims that its structure and donations could create expectations of influence.
Charity’s mandate and leadership
The charity was set up in 2014 to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students. It is chaired ex-officio by the spouse of the president.
Since 2023, the body has been chaired by Philippa Karsera, the current president’s wife.
Resignation following online video
Karsera formally resigned from the charity on January 12 this year, shortly after a video circulated online alleging that cash donations were made to the presidency in exchange for access and influence. The social support body received an oblique mention in the video.
In the clip, after appearing to refer to his personal access to President Nikos Christodoulides, Cyfield CEO Giorgos Chrysochos is heard saying: “So we gave her [the first lady] €10,000 every year. It’s not much, but we support other initiatives as well. I have to pay, I’d say, €250,000 every year on donations.”
Donations and lack of limits
The charity is funded exclusively through private donations and has no cap on contributions. Individuals and corporate entities may donate.
Audit Office assessment
In a report published last November, the Audit Office said the fund gives the impression of being a charity-for-influence scheme.
“There exists a relationship – or there appears to be a relationship – of influence and/or the expectation of benefit,” the auditor-general said at the time.
Chair appointment and operational rules
The chairperson does not have to be the first lady, although she is the first choice. The cabinet nominates the first lady for the position, and if she refuses, the cabinet nominates another individual of “high repute and good standing”.
Under the charity’s rules, it cannot convene to conduct official business without a chairperson.
How do you think publishing donor names and amounts could affect public trust in the social support body?