**Title: President Christodoulides Denies Prior Knowledge of Controversial €595,000 Limousine Purchase**
*Date: September 5, 2026*
In a recent statement, President Nikos Christodoulides asserted that he had no prior knowledge of the government's decision to purchase a new armored presidential limousine valued at €595,000. This revelation came shortly after the details of the procurement were made public, prompting questions and criticism regarding the expenditure.
During a press interaction, President Christodoulides expressed his surprise, stating, “I did not know about this,” and clarified that he learned about the limousine purchase through media reports earlier that day. The Cabinet had approved the procurement during a meeting held on July 16, and the Finance Ministry subsequently requested the release of funds from Parliament’s Finance Committee to facilitate the purchase. The committee is expected to review this request in the near future.
The decision to acquire the vehicle was made through direct negotiations with a local car dealership, bypassing the public tender process. The technical specifications of the limousine were not disclosed to Parliament, citing confidentiality concerns related to security and armor.
President Christodoulides emphasized that decisions regarding security matters are typically handled by relevant state services without the need for presidential involvement. He stated, “No president should know about security matters,” highlighting the importance of maintaining confidentiality in such discussions.
In response to the backlash surrounding the purchase, the President suggested that there may have been a deliberate leak from within Parliament aimed at undermining his credibility. He remarked, “There was certainly a deliberate leak from Parliament,” and expressed concern that such actions could tarnish the reputation of public figures overall.
Addressing the criticisms directed at the limousine purchase, Christodoulides characterized the reactions as “populist.” He recounted a personal anecdote where he used his own vehicle to take his daughter on an outing, which led to reprimands from his security team. He explained that the security personnel are tasked with safeguarding the President of the Republic, rather than his personal identity.
The controversy surrounding the limousine purchase comes at a time when public scrutiny of government spending is particularly heightened. The President's remarks underscore the delicate balance between security needs and public perception, as well as the challenges faced by officials in managing both.
In related news, Cyprus has seen a significant increase in dam levels, which currently stand at 39.3%, a notable improvement compared to the previous year. Additionally, the EDEK party is facing internal challenges as claims emerge that 700 members were barred from voting in recent elections.
As the situation develops, the public and political observers will be watching closely to see how the government addresses the concerns raised by the limousine purchase and the implications it may have for President Christodoulides' administration.