Environmental groups demand release of Akamas investigation findings
Fact: Environmental groups are demanding the immediate publication of the final findings of an administrative investigation into illegal interventions in Akamas.
audit service
Request to suspend Auditor General heads to Supreme Court
A request for the suspension of the Auditor General is expected to be filed with the Supreme Constitutional Court by the legal team of the Attorney General. The request is based on the complaint that the Auditor General exceeded his powers, which is not considered inappropriate behavior. The decision to suspend an independent state official must be initiated by the President of the Republic, according to the Trifonos case. The Attorney General does not have the authority to make such requests.
Auditor general accused of shoddy work
The Internal Audit Service accused the auditor-general of serious negligence and conduct unbecoming in connection to a report he released, stating that he violated auditing principles and standards by not meeting with auditees before publishing findings. The agency also claimed that the Commissioner of Internal Audit took immediate action in response to allegations of conflict of interest and communicated this to the auditor-general, who still went ahead and published his report without considering this information.
Netflix Files Tax Lawsuit against Korean Tax Authorities
Netflix Services Korea has begun an administrative lawsuit against Korea’s tax authorities over 78 billion won in tax imposed on the OTT giant.
Internal Audit commissioner faces claims of conflict of interests
The auditor-general has called on the cabinet to investigate the commissioner of Internal Audit for possible dereliction of duty, as she allegedly did not properly handle allegations of conflict of interest in her department.
Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)
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.
Deputy AG calls for investigation into auditor general
Fact: Deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides called for an independent investigation into auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides.
Parties submit proposals for renouncement of multiple pensions
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.
Audit service reviews Health ministry warehouse report
The Audit Service is reviewing a report on the rental history of a warehouse by the Ministry of Health that flooded due to severe weather conditions. Parliament will soon be informed about the report’s contents. The report raises issues regarding the initial cooperation between Pharmaceutical Services and a private individual, but no specific responsibilities have been identified yet. The Audit Service will study the report and send its observations to the Ministry of Health. Additionally, letters have been sent to affected Ministries and state Authorities regarding rented premises without final approval licenses, with a focus on the Ministry of Health in this specific investigation.
In search of a solution for the Larnaca marina billion project
A €1.2 billion investment in the development of a port and marina in Larnaca is facing challenges as the state and Kition Ocean Holdings try to prevent a potential fiasco. The President of the Republic is involved in resolving the deadlock, with tensions rising after Kition refused to renew a port guarantee and made accusations against the government. Efforts are being made to find a resolution, with the President meeting with Kition officials and the Larnaca Development Committee convening to address the issues. The project is expected to start in June, and the Audit Service is monitoring the situation closely.