This is a violation of the Cyprus citizenship programme in return for investment.
The President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Sillouris, under public pressure on Thursday, officially announced his resignation and resignation from Parliament amid a scandal that has gained momentum over violations of the citizenship programme in return for investment. Sillouris, who had previously promised to discontinue his duties from the coming Monday until the investigation was completed, announced his decision in a special announcement.
“The continuation of my term as Speaker of Parliament was misinterpreted. This misinterpretation and the obvious desire of some to exploit the whole situation for their political purposes and plans, as well as pretexts for disrupting the work of the legislature, led me to decide to resign as Speaker of Parliament and as an MP”, – said the politician. Sillouris also added that he firmly believes that he has not violated the laws of the country.
On 13 October, Sillouris stated that he will suspend his duties until the investigation into the offences in the Cyprus citizenship programme is completed in return for investment.
The reason for this statement was Al Jazeera’s claim that Sillouris, together with the Progressive Labour Party of Cyprus MP, Christakis Jovanis, allegedly expressed his readiness to facilitate the acquisition of Cyprus citizenship for a certain Chinese businessman convicted of seven years in prison for money laundering. Al Jazeera’s journalist captured this moment by introducing himself to politicians as the businessman’s confidant.
Even before Sillouris, Jovanis gave up his deputy mandate and also left the AKEL Central Committee. At the same time, he, like the speaker, declared his innocence.