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Cyprus’ First Lady, Philippa Karsera, has resigned from the Independent Social Support Agency, saying she and her children were targeted by a wave of online attacks, fake news and defamatory claims that left her no choice but to step aside.
Karsera, the wife of President Nikos Christodoulides, announced her decision in a social media post, describing the past 24 hours as an “unrelenting” assault from both named and anonymous accounts. She warned that the unchecked spread of false allegations risks damaging not only her reputation but also violating the rights of her family.
She said the agency’s management committee will meet in an emergency session on Tuesday, where she will formally notify members of her resignation.
Karsera stressed that being married to the president does not justify personal attacks or unsubstantiated accusations. She said she has already sought legal advice, adding that defending one’s rights is not just a right but a responsibility.
She took over as chair of the agency’s management committee in March 2023, following legislation adopted by parliament in 2015. The Independent Social Support Agency provides financial assistance and scholarships to children from low-income families.
In her statement, Karsera said criticism intensified after the agency’s budget was increased and scholarships were expanded in 2024 and 2025, allowing support for significantly more children. She described the backlash as escalating into a “war” of misinformation.
Her decision to resign, she said, was not driven by a desire to step away from helping children, which she described as her only motivation, but by her refusal to allow continued attacks on her integrity and that of her husband and family under the pretext of the agency’s work.
Karsera underlined that no member of the agency’s management committee receives any personal or financial benefit from its operations.
She also announced she will step down from other charitable organizations where she serves as executive chair, roles traditionally held by Cyprus’ First Ladies.
In a pointed message, Karsera warned against the use of unproven allegations for political, partisan or electoral gain, saying such tactics erode public trust rather than build it.
She concluded by saying she will continue supporting children and vulnerable groups as a private citizen, without titles or public roles, while remaining committed to justice, human rights and protecting her family.
