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“He sold land like he sold passports,” MP says Anastasiades

In-Cyprus · 2026-09-10

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Members of Cyprus's House Audit Committee criticized former President Nicos Anastasiades over six unused coastal land developments that were designated for private projects since 2018, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption linked to his administration. • Why it matters: The situation raises significant concerns about the management of public assets and accountability in Cyprus, particularly in light of previous controversies surrounding Anastasiades' citizenship-by-investment program. • What to watch next: Ongoing discussions and potential investigations into the handling of public land and agreements with private developers may influence future land management policies and public trust in governance in Cyprus.

**Title: MPs Criticize Anastasiades Over Unused Coastal Land Developments**

**Date: September 10, 2026**

Members of Cyprus’s House Audit Committee have raised serious concerns regarding the management of public coastal land that was designated for development during the presidency of Nicos Anastasiades. The committee's discussions, prompted by a report from the Audit Office, revealed that six coastal sites earmarked for development since 2018 remain unused, despite the passage of eight years.

During the committee meeting, DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis made a pointed remark about Anastasiades, stating, “My friend Anastasiades sold land just as he sold passports.” This comment references the controversial citizenship-by-investment program that was in place during Anastasiades' tenure, which faced significant scrutiny and allegations of corruption.

The six coastal sites in question are located in Larnaca and Paphos. They are intended for smaller, privately-led developments rather than large marinas, with each site capable of accommodating up to 150 boats. The annual fees for the use of these sites vary significantly, ranging from €75,000 to €262,000, depending on factors such as location, size, and intended use, as assessed by the Land Registry.

In Larnaca, the sites include Alaminos, awarded to Muskita Holdings Ltd, and Softades in Kiti, which has been awarded to multiple companies including Alpha Panareti Public Ltd, Agi-Cypre Property 16 Ltd, and M. Afxentiou & A. Stylianou Developers Ltd. In Paphos, the awarded sites include Pegeia, given to Leptos Calypso Hotels Public Ltd; Cha Potami in Kouklia, awarded to Venus Rock Estates Ltd; and Pachyammos in Kato Paphos, which has been allocated to The Sunset Boulevard Tourist & Estate Company Ltd and Actinolite Ltd.

The committee’s criticisms highlight a broader concern about the management of public assets and the perceived lack of accountability in the previous administration. As the discussion continues, the implications of these findings may lead to further investigations into the handling of public land and the agreements made with private developers.

The situation has drawn attention not only for the potential financial implications but also for the ongoing issues of transparency and governance in Cyprus. The Audit Office's report and the subsequent parliamentary discussions underscore the need for a thorough review of past decisions and the current status of these developments.

As the political landscape evolves, the fallout from these revelations may impact public trust and the future direction of land management policies in Cyprus. The committee's findings are expected to prompt further scrutiny of the Anastasiades administration's legacy and its handling of public resources.

Source: In-Cyprus
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