Former President Anastasiades challenges Anti-Corruption Authority report

Former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has launched a detailed, 8,400-word critique against the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority’s report concerning the book "Mafia State" by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Published on August 24–25, 2026, the response addresses findings issued on June 16, 2026, which suggested the possibility of criminal offenses, including influence peddling and abuse of power, by the former president.

Anastasiades argues that the Authority’s investigation, which spanned two and a half years at a cost of €1.5 million and involved 150 witnesses and 793 documents, was swayed by a "prevailing atmosphere" of populist sentiment. He disputes seven specific findings, citing procedural irregularities, such as not being allowed to respond to evidence against him, and claims that testimony from figures like former Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis was ignored. He maintains that allegations of illicit enrichment and misappropriation have been fully debunked.

While Anastasiades criticizes the investigation, he states he does not attribute bad faith to the officials but questions their methodology and objectivity. An investigation by an independent team of criminal investigators, appointed in July, remains ongoing. The former president continues his efforts to clear his name while urging institutional adherence to the rule of law rather than public opinion.