EU Presidency duties cited in letter to Parliament
First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides explained why she did not attend a session of Parliament’s Audit Committee on the Independent Social Support Body (ISSB), citing her role as chair of a committee within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU.
In a letter to Parliament, she set out her key positions in writing to support the Committee’s work and said she remains available to attend a future session if required.
Audit Committee proceeds with heated debate
Despite her absence, the Audit Committee continued its discussion on the Audit Office report concerning the Independent Social Support Body. The debate unfolded in a tense atmosphere, with strong statements and confrontations among participants.
An annex accompanying the First Lady’s letter details her positions and clarifications on the operation of the Independent Social Support Body (ISSB), responding indirectly to issues raised before the Committee.
Decision to step down from presidency
The First Lady stated that she informed the Agency’s Management Committee in good time of her decision to resign from the presidency, in line with the law. She explained that the role had become objectively incompatible with her position, given the Agency’s sensitive function as a key social support mechanism.
Full oversight and cooperation with auditors
The letter underlines that Parliament, and in particular the Committee on Institutions, previously received full and detailed briefings on the legal framework, operating rules, procedures and criteria governing the ISSB, which operates as a registered charitable organisation.
It also notes that the Body publishes relevant information on its website and cooperated fully with the Audit Office to carry out all necessary checks. According to the annex, auditors identified no irregularities or illegal acts. Instead, ISSB operated continuously under full institutional and financial supervision.
Transparency measures and legal limits
On transparency, the First Lady said her term strictly followed all legislative provisions. She also pointed to upgrades to the Body’s website, which now publishes criteria, procedures and grant-related information. She clarified that the Body did not publish detailed information on all donors due to legal restrictions arising from personal data protection laws and rulings by the Supreme Constitutional Court.
Budget growth and wider beneficiary support
The annex links the Body’s budget increase over the past two years to a rise in donations, mainly from large companies, organisations, foundations and banks in Cyprus and abroad. This support allowed the Agency to expand its reach, providing food and rent allowances to thousands of children and families between 2023 and 2025.
No personal links and strict financial controls
In a personal statement, the First Lady stressed that neither she nor members of the Management Committee maintained personal or professional ties with donors or beneficiaries. She emphasised that the Body followed standardised and strict procedures at all times.
She also clarified that donors transferred all contributions exclusively through bank payments to a special state account under the supervision of the Auditor General.
The annex concludes by describing the Independent Social Support Body as a valuable social tool that supports vulnerable students without burdening the state budget, while strengthening social cohesion and corporate social responsibility.
Also read: Donations to Independent Social Support Body listed by Auditor General
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