Martha Kehagias
Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos has publicly denied wrongdoing following a wave of allegations and intense public discussion, describing the situation as a coordinated attempt to damage him politically and personally, as supporters and critics clash online over the claims and their motives.
In a lengthy Facebook post, the mayor said more than two weeks had passed since what he called an “orchestrated attack” began, adding that the fallout has affected the “peace of mind” of his family. He stated unequivocally that he has not committed any of the offenses being attributed to him and insisted he has not even been questioned by police.
Phedonos argued that unnamed interests have “joined forces” to destroy him, claiming the attacks are linked to his past complaints involving drugs, money laundering and other alleged illegal activity. He framed the controversy as part of a broader struggle against entrenched corruption networks in Cyprus.
The mayor also suggested the timing of the allegations is politically convenient, saying it diverts attention from what he described as the disgrace of “videogate” and claims involving funding of the President’s election campaigns in 2023 and 2028, including alleged links to the First Lady’s Support Fund. In his post, he alleged that the most serious issue in that scandal is the existence of a mechanism where businessmen, presented as “philanthropists,” allegedly paid money in expectation of favors.
Phedonos said he is ready to cooperate fully with any investigation, calling on authorities to bring forward “real evidence” and allow justice to decide. He warned, however, that the real objective may be to keep him trapped in prolonged investigations and legal proceedings, effectively sidelining him politically without conviction.
“If they want a public trial, I am ready,” he wrote, saying he would answer publicly and in detail to anything attributed to him.
In one of his strongest statements, the mayor claimed Cyprus is being transformed into a “completely corrupt country,” accusing the state of protecting major interests and dismantling institutions. He also compared the situation to “Erdogan-style” tactics, warning that if such methods succeed against him, others will be targeted next.
Strong support and presidential speculation
The post triggered a wave of public support in the comment section, with many users describing Phedonos as the most effective mayor Paphos has had and crediting him with transforming the district.
Several supporters described the allegations as a “set-up,” with repeated claims that Phedonos is being targeted because of speculation he may seek the presidency in 2028. Some comments went further, directly accusing the Presidential Palace and President Nikos Christodoulides of fearing Phedonos as a political opponent, claims for which no evidence was provided in the discussion.
Others framed the issue as a broader institutional crisis, arguing that corruption is widespread and that those who challenge entrenched interests are punished. Comparisons were also made by commenters to the treatment of former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides, with claims that independent officials are removed when they become politically inconvenient.
Some commenters called for protests outside Paphos Town Hall, while others suggested that the public response should ultimately come “at the ballot box.”
Critics push back: “No smoke without fire”
While the majority of comments expressed support, a smaller number urged caution, emphasizing that allegations, particularly serious ones, should be addressed through investigation rather than political narratives.
One commenter wrote that society does not need “self-victimization,” but instead wants transparency, accountability and a full investigation, stressing that no one is above justice. Another argued that while Phedonos’ work as mayor may be widely praised, this should not shield him from scrutiny.
Some commenters also raised doubts about the mayor’s claim that the Presidential Palace is behind the controversy, pointing out that certain allegations circulating publicly appear to date back to earlier years and questioning whether current political leadership could realistically be responsible.
Heated exchanges and personal accusations
The discussion also revealed the intensity of polarization around the mayor. In several exchanges, supporters demanded that critics provide proof or report allegations directly to police rather than posting online.
At least one comment included highly aggressive language, calling Phedonos a “rapist” and “thief,” while another accused him of land-related misconduct. In response, supporters challenged the credibility of such claims and warned of potential legal consequences for spreading defamatory statements.
In another notable criticism, one individual alleged the mayor had previously caused distress to their family by removing a fence on private property without permission, arguing that Phedonos should consider how his actions impacted others. That claim was disputed by another commenter who questioned whether the fence was legal and whether the full context was being omitted.
Role of “Annie” and selective investigations questioned
A recurring theme in the comments involved a controversial figure referred to as “Annie”, described by multiple users as a person making repeated public allegations involving various individuals. Some commenters questioned why the mayor appears to be a primary focus of investigations and media attention, while other names allegedly mentioned by Annie do not receive the same treatment.
Others attacked Annie’s credibility outright, calling her a pawn, a drug addict, or claiming she is being paid, assertions made without evidence in the comments.
One commenter claimed that for others allegedly named, an arrest warrant was issued against her for spreading false news, while multiple commenters questioned why authorities appear to act “à la carte” rather than pursuing all allegations consistently.
Reaction figures show high engagement
The post’s engagement numbers show significant public interaction, with approximately 1.9K likes, 380 hearts, and smaller numbers of other reactions including laughter, anger, shock and sadness.
The spread of reactions suggests a largely supportive audience, but also indicates that the post has drawn controversy and emotional response beyond Paphos.
A political flashpoint beyond Paphos
Beyond the personal accusations, the discussion surrounding Phedonos has quickly developed into a broader political argument about corruption, the credibility of Cyprus’ institutions, and the power of media narratives.
Supporters describe him as a rare public figure willing to confront drugs, money laundering and entrenched interests. Critics, meanwhile, argue that public officials must respond with evidence rather than claims of persecution, and insist investigations should proceed without political pressure or public mobilization.
For now, the mayor maintains that he has not been questioned by police and insists that any accusations should be tested in court rather than through what he calls a campaign of “organized and deliberate crime” against him and society.
