Newsroom
Paphos Mayor Phaedonas Phaedonos on Monday said he welcomes a police investigation reportedly launched to examine allegations made against him and his wife, firmly denying the claims and describing them as part of what he called a “merciless war” aimed at politically destroying him.
In a strongly worded written statement, Phaedonos said none of the allegations circulating in recent days are true and insisted that both he and his family are being unfairly targeted.
"My political presence and my name-calling allegations have alarmed them. That's why they are collaborating on how to eliminate me," --Phaedonas Phaedonos
“I welcome the investigation to clear my name,” the mayor said, adding that once the process is complete, “it will be my turn to speak.”
According to media reports, the police inquiry was launched ex officio following allegations made by a woman said to be living in Russia. No further details have been officially confirmed by authorities so far.
Phaedonas said he first learned about the investigation through media reports and stressed that the claims involving him and his wife are false.
“We have a wonderful family with two children who are old enough to understand what is happening,” he said.
The mayor went further, framing the situation as part of a broader power struggle involving what he described as “circles of corruption, organized crime and black political money.” He claimed these forces are working together to mislead public opinion and silence those who threaten their interests.
“It is known that my political presence and my public stance have alarmed them,” he said. “That is why they are collaborating to eliminate me.”
Phaedonas also suggested that the allegations are not new, saying similar stories have resurfaced repeatedly over the past decade without result. Still, he acknowledged the personal cost of the situation, saying his family is being “held hostage” by the ongoing public scrutiny.
Despite that, he said he has no intention of stepping back.
“I know that those who want to eliminate me are determined,” the mayor said. “But I am also determined, and I will be there until the end.”
Background:
The case has drawn wide attention in recent days following reports that police are examining allegations linked to the mayor, though authorities have yet to publicly outline the scope or timeline of the investigation. Phaedonos, a polarizing figure in Cypriot politics, has built a reputation for publicly clashing with entrenched interests, a point he again emphasized in Monday’s statement.
Police have not commented publicly on the substance of the claims or on any potential next steps.
