Former Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades has rejected findings by the country’s anti-corruption authority that identified possible abuses of power during his time in office, calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations.
“I declare that I categorically deny the alleged offenses and request an immediate investigation by the relevant authorities,” Anastasiades said in a statement on Tuesday.
The watchdog’s report reportedly cites possible irregularities in campaign financing, alleged attempts to influence investigations involving businessmen who funded political parties, and alleged interference in matters affecting Anastasiades’ own interests.
The authority has been examining claims made by former presidential aide Makarios Drousiotis that Cyprus developed a system during Anastasiades’ presidency in which political power, business interests, lawyers and state institutions became closely intertwined, undermining accountability and the rule of law.
Anastasiades said the report demonstrated that Drousiotis’ allegations had “collapsed as non-existent” and announced that he would hold a press conference in the coming days to respond in greater detail.
