About a fourth of those endorsing President Nikos Christodoulides’ candidacy in 2023 have landed government positions, raising questions of nepotism and favouritism.
- About a fourth of those endorsing President Nikos Christodoulides’ candidacy in 2023 have landed government positions, raising questions of nepotism and favouritism.
According to reports from Daily Politis, 26 out of 100 individuals who supported Christodoulides have found roles in the central government, semi-governmental organisations, or at the presidential palace. This significant number, while not casting doubt on their qualifications, has inevitably sparked concerns regarding the integrity of the appointments.
The list of these endorsers includes prominent figures such as Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis, and deputy culture minister Michalis Hadjiyiannis, who recently resigned. Additionally, Central Bank governor Christodoulos Patsalides is among those who have secured positions.
Notably, some of the appointments extend beyond those who directly endorsed Christodoulides; relatives of endorsers have also been given well-paid government jobs. For instance, Christos Hadjimanolis, a supporter of the president, is the father of current Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli, illustrating the potential for familial connections influencing these decisions.
Other notable appointments include Christina Sarri, vice-chairman at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation; Christina Iacovidou, vice-chairman at the Cyprus Ports Authority; and Georgios Aresti, serving as a special adviser to the president. The deputy government spokesperson, Doxa Komodromou, has also resigned following her endorsement of Christodoulides.
Politis further highlighted that beyond these 26 official backers, several individuals close to the presidential family have also secured positions in the public sector. Irini Piki, the undersecretary to the president and a friend of Christodoulides, is one such example. Marilena Raouna, the head of the president’s diplomatic office and a maid-of-honour at Christodoulides’ wedding, is another close associate now in a key role. Furthermore, Demetris Gerolemou, a member of the presidential guard and Christodoulides’ best man, has also found employment within the administration.
Additionally, Charalambos Charalambous, director of the president’s office, is married to Christia Karsera, the sister of the first lady, further complicating the picture of meritocracy that Christodoulides vowed to uphold during his campaign.
Four individuals who maintain friendships with the presidential couple have been appointed as permanent secretaries at various ministries: Anna Aristotelous, Georgios Papageorgiou, Kyriacos Iordanou, and Penelope Papavasileiou. These appointments appear to starkly contradict the promises of a “new ethos” and meritocracy made by Christodoulides on the election campaign trail.
