Newsroom
Former President Nicos Anastasiades has pushed back strongly against the findings of the Independent Authority Against Corruption linked to the book “Mafia State," calling the allegations against him “unsubstantiated” and demanding an immediate, independent criminal investigation to clear his name.
Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia on Tuesday, Anastasiades said he is ready to “accept a tax audit” and insisted that only a full investigation can bring out the truth, after what he described as “a political and personal character assassination.”
“I am focusing on what is being attributed to me,” he said. “Let the truth shine. I am ready for a tax audit. Let’s finally put an end to these myths.”
The former president’s statement comes after the Authority’s findings reportedly pointed to possible corruption-related offenses, including allegations of abuse of power. Anastasiades firmly rejected the conclusions, saying they are not supported by evidence and that he was never properly given the chance to respond during the investigation.
“I was not heard”
A key point repeated throughout his remarks was that he was not given what he considers a fair opportunity to answer the allegations.
“The inspection officers never asked me these questions,” he said. “I was deprived of the right to respond.”
He also questioned why the Authority did not directly investigate or confront him on specific claims before reaching conclusions.
“No link to passports case”
Responding to questions about the so-called golden passports program, Anastasiades dismissed any connection between himself and wrongdoing in the citizenship scheme.
“Who said there should be no responsibilities?” he said. “But what do I have to do with what is being attributed to me regarding the passports?”
He stressed that responsibility, if any exists, should be examined separately and not automatically linked to him.
Bribes, campaigns and Laiki Bank claims rejected
One of the most serious allegations discussed involved claims of alleged payments linked to former Laiki Bank and businessman Andreas Vgenopoulos, which the Authority reportedly linked to a 2013 election campaign.
Anastasiades strongly rejected the accusation.
“I have never been confronted with such a claim before,” he said. “It is inconceivable to be slandered like this without even being given the chance to respond.”
He also denied any benefit or personal gain, calling the conclusions “completely unfounded.”
“Toxicity and character assassination”
The former president also criticized what he described as a broader climate of “toxicity” in public debate, referring to online narratives, media coverage, and political discourse surrounding the case.
“What is being recorded is toxicity, character assassination, and the heroization of the inventor,” he said.
At one point, he also questioned whether public debate in Cyprus is being shaped more by “TikTokers and online influence” than institutional facts, calling for a closer examination of how public opinion is formed.
Call for independent investigator
Anastasiades concluded by renewing his demand for the appointment of an independent criminal investigator with recognized credibility.
“I want the truth to come out,” he said. “I hope no one will say I am trying to influence the process.”
He added that only a full, independent process can end speculation and restore clarity over the allegations.
What happens next
The Independent Authority Against Corruption’s findings have already triggered intense political debate, with legal and institutional steps now expected to follow.
Whether the case moves into a formal criminal investigation will depend on the next actions of the Attorney General’s Office or other competent legal authorities.
For now, Anastasiades is positioning himself firmly on the defensive, insisting that the allegations are politically driven, legally unproven, and damaging to his reputation.
And as he put it himself, the only way forward is simple: “Let the truth shine.”
