Nicosia, Cyprus. A video alleging campaign finance lawbreaking by President Nikos Christodoulides and his associates has hurt the president’s ratings, a poll published on Monday found. The survey was conducted immediately after the video’s release.
Video triggers political fallout and investigation
The video, released on X, purportedly shows friends and associates of the president soliciting cash donations from business interests in exchange for influence and access to the presidential palace. The release led to a political firestorm and the resignation of the president’s chief of staff, one of the persons appearing in the clip.
The government described the incident as a “hybrid attack” against Cyprus, and authorities are investigating.
Poll details and findings
Commissioned by Alpha and carried out by RAI Consultants, the poll surveyed 1,032 respondents. It found that 58 per cent think the affair has badly affected the president’s image, while 19 per cent think the damage is slight.
An additional 11 per cent said the president’s image was not affected at all, nine per cent said they were not familiar with the matter, and three per cent gave no answer.
Audience exposure and reactions
RAI Consultants CEO Olympios Toumazos said 71 per cent of the public have watched the video. The negative impressions were shared across age groups and genders.
Asked about their first impression after watching the video, 37 per cent expressed disappointment and shame, 24 per cent said such occurrences are not unexpected, 13 per cent attributed the affair to corruption and unlawful practices, and 12 per cent said they were outraged.
Have you watched the video and formed an opinion about its impact on the president’s image?