Animal welfare organizations challenge comments by parliamentary candidate Georgios Koumas

On April 7, 2026, Georgios Koumas, a parliamentary candidate for the Democratic Alignment (DEPA) party in Cyprus, posted a video on social media alleging that some animal welfare advocates exploit the cause for financial gain. Koumas claimed that these individuals infiltrate private properties to steal dogs for resale and improperly export stray animals for profit under the guise of rescue operations. In response, registered animal welfare organizations in Cyprus sent an official letter to the DEPA leadership. The organizations labeled the accusations as undocumented and generalized, arguing that they damage their reputation and volunteer work. They have formally requested that Koumas provide evidence for his claims or issue a public retraction and apology. Furthermore, the groups have asked the party leadership to address these comments officially. The organizations demand that the party ensures its candidates maintain public discourse that respects truth, legality, and social contribution.