Newsroom
Charalambos Charalambous, director of the president’s politics office, announced his resignation Monday, saying he could no longer serve without his presence being exploited amid attacks on President Nicos Christodoulides. The resignation comes in the wake of a viral video released last Thursday targeting both the president and First Lady Philippa Karsera, which has sparked public outrage and heightened political tensions.
Posting on Facebook, Charalambous framed his decision as a matter of principle. “Under no circumstances will I accept the slightest shadow being cast on my integrity or my sincere intention to serve my country,” he wrote. He added that he could not allow his role in government to be “exploited for the purpose of harming the Republic of Cyprus or the President of the Republic.”
Charalambous reflected on his time in office, emphasizing that he never sought political ambition. “My participation in the government was not an end in itself, but a conscious choice to contribute to an ambitious governance program that aims to strengthen our country, shield our institutions, and advance our society,” he said.
He also addressed the fallout from the video, noting that deliberate distortions and selective excerpts were being used to mislead the public. “In recent days, there has been a targeted effort to personally attack the President of the Republic, to discredit the Government, and to damage the image of our country,” he wrote. “All institutions of democracy must act to restore the truth, which will reveal the malicious intent of those who orchestrated this attack.”
Charalambous concluded on a note of pride in the work accomplished over the past three years. “I firmly believe that this course will continue, that our country will remain steadfastly committed to its principles, will strengthen its position internationally, and will progress for the benefit of our citizens and our national goals. And that, for me, is what really matters: Cyprus above all else and above everyone else.”
The resignation marks the latest development in a series of events following the viral video, which prompted social media attacks against the president and first lady and, over the weekend, led to the first lady, Philippa Karsera, resigning from the Independent Social Support Agency. Political analysts say Charalambous’ departure highlights the deepening political fallout and the challenges the administration faces in defending its image while maintaining public trust.
Government sources have confirmed that an emergency meeting of senior advisors is being convened to discuss next steps in the president’s office.
