Fact: The Audit Office reported the Legal Service to the European Commission and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (Intosai) due to allegations of threats, revenge, and efforts to remove the auditor general from his post.
A Resolution plan for the adoption of Resolution A/RES/76/300 of the United Nations General Assembly regarding the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is being led by MP Alexandra Attalides in the upcoming Plenary Session of the Parliament. The resolution proposal was read out by Irene Charalambidou, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. The resolution includes a provision that the Republic of Cyprus must promptly prepare management plans for Natura 2000 areas and take immediate actions to address violations. Charalampos Theopemptou mentioned that there are 600-800 premature deaths in Cyprus annually due to poor air quality. Alexandra Attalides highlighted that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human right that is not yet enshrined in international conventions or the Constitution of Cyprus, despite aspects of it being recognized by EU laws. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled on a case against Switzerland for failing to address climate change and its impact on human rights.
The majority Greek Cypriot population voted down the UN plan in the referendums held on April 24, 2004, with a turnout of 89.18% for Greek Cypriots and 87% for Turkish Cypriots.
The US Senate approved the reauthorization of a controversial surveillance program, narrowly avoiding its midnight expiration.
Government officials in Cyprus may soon be able to renounce their multiple pensions while in office, with a proposal submitted by Disy and Diko. The renouncement must be made within 15 days of assuming duties and can be revoked at any time. The government’s proposal includes replacing extra pensions with a lump sum payment. The audit service criticized the government’s proposal, claiming they do not wish to solve the problem. The constitution plays a significant role in discussions about multiple pensions in Cyprus.
Fact: The auditor-general, Odysseas Michaelides, issued a public statement criticizing the opinion given by the Legal Service on government bills dealing with multiple pensions and retirement age, implying that the government was behaving unethically.
An Ohio judge has temporarily blocked a Republican-backed state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers and hormones. The law would also prevent transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams. The judge’s order will remain in place for two weeks, or until a hearing on the families’ motion for a longer-term block of the law. Ohio is one of at least 22 Republican-controlled states that have passed laws restricting gender-affirming care. Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, had vetoed the law after hearing from parents of transgender youth that gender-affirming care had been lifesaving for their children. The judge ruled that the families challenging the law were likely to succeed in their argument that it improperly addressed healthcare and sports as separate subjects, rather than a single subject as required by the Ohio constitution.
– Lawyer Christos Clerides intends to bring the legality of deputy ministries in Cyprus to court.
– The President does not have the power to appoint deputy ministers according to the constitution.
– There are currently six deputy ministries in Cyprus, with plans for a seventh focusing on migration.
– Non-governmental organization Kisa’s executive director Doros Polykarpou questions the constitutionality of creating a new deputy ministry.
– Polykarpou argues that deputy ministries do not have voting power at cabinet meetings and may not improve government productivity.