Drousiotis and Edek spokesman clash on air over corruption allegations
A heated confrontation erupted on Thursday between Makarios Drousiotis and Edek spokesman Georgios Georgiou, as tensions escalated over claims of a clandestine cabal involving political and judicial figures.
The clash unfolded on Alpha TV, with Georgiou urging Drousiotis to submit his allegations to police without delay.
“This thing could not go unanswered,” he said, questioning why the claims were made public mere weeks before parliamentary elections.
“He could have found another way to attract votes”, Georgiou remarked.
Georgiou accused Drousiotis of pursuing “pre-election expediencies” and attempting to leave serious allegations unresolved.
“A month and a half before the elections, he is leaving it open as to whether Edek has rapists, paedophiles, and fraternities in its midst,” he said, calling for immediate investigation by authorities.
He further alleged that Drousiotis had a history of “pro-Turkish approaches”, suggesting he could have relied on past positions “to get votes for Volt” rather than advancing what he described as unsubstantiated claims.
He also challenged him to hand over all devices for examination, insisting any inquiry “will be based on the laws and not on what you or those behind you want”.
Drousiotis rejected the accusations and countered with sharp criticism of Edek, inviting Georgiou to a public debate.
“It is not I who belong to the Rosicrucian’s, nor do I transport ‘black money’ in suitcases,” he said, dismissing the allegations as defamatory.
Invoking the phrase “patriotism is the last refuge of a swindler”, Drousiotis accused Georgiou’s party of historically serving Turkish interests due to their “intransigence”.
“If there is one area that has served the Turkish positions in a contractual manner, it is Edek that brought the Turks into Cyprus.”
Georgiou retorted that he should “go back to chasing Cavusoglou up the slopes of Crans Montana.”, in reference to Drousiotis’ novel ‘Crime at Crans-Montana’ in which he levied that it was former president Nicos Anastasiades and not the Turkish foreign minister who walked away from the negotiating table.
The confrontation comes amid a broader dispute triggered by Drousiotis’ public allegations, which he claims are supported by extensive documentation, including messages and audiovisual material.
Those named have rejected the claims as fabricated, with some, including Edek’s Demetris Papadakis, submitting devices for forensic examination.
Authorities have launched an investigation, describing the case as “serious and complex”, while seeking evidence from Drousiotis, who has said he will cooperate under legal counsel.