Cyprus: Former president in turmoil following allegations of abuse of power

The Cypriot anti-corruption agency announced it had identified possible abuses of power committed by former president Nicos Anastasiades during his term. The case has been referred to the Attorney General for consideration of potential legal action.

According to preliminary findings by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, several alleged irregularities were committed during the years Anastasiades led the country. The accusations include irregularities related to the financing of political campaigns and attempts to influence investigations concerning businessmen supporting certain parties.

The agency also reports possible institutional interference in cases that could directly affect the interests of the former head of state. These elements are among the points now under review by the Attorney General.

Investigators also allege the use of political influence prior to his election to the presidency to facilitate Cypriot citizenship applications submitted on behalf of clients of his law firm. These beneficiaries included wealthy Russian businessmen.

Nicos Anastasiades, who led Cyprus from 2013 to 2023, has always denied accusations of wrongdoing. His term, however, was marked by the controversy surrounding the "citizenship for investment" program, which allowed wealthy investors to obtain Cypriot passports in exchange for substantial investments in the country.

This scheme was abandoned in 2020 following a series of revelations highlighting serious shortcomings in the mechanisms for monitoring and verifying beneficiaries. Thousands of people had obtained Cypriot citizenship through this program before its discontinuation.

The referral of the case to the Attorney General does not constitute an indictment, but it paves the way for a thorough examination of the allegations. This case could reignite the debate on transparency and the fight against corruption in Cypriot political life, several years after the end of the controversial naturalization program for foreign investors.