Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent
Cyprus was given a score of 34 per cent for the human rights situation and living standards of its LGBT population.
House Ethics Committee
Legal Service questions timing behind anti-corruption spat
The Legal Service questioned the timing of the anti-corruption authority’s announcement regarding former drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos.
Our View: Akel deputy, ’s probe is misguided and bizzare
Akel deputy Christos Christofides has written to the auditor-general asking him to examine the data of the Independent Social Support Agency, which is under the authority of the president’s wife, Philippa Karsera. The agency had been set up in 2013 to provide financial support to university students who were unable to complete their studies due to lack of funds.
MPs deride Attorney-General over Katsounotos case
Fact: Attorney-general George Savvides decided not to prosecute former police drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos for refusing to answer questions put to him by the Anti-Corruption Authority.
MPs hopeful wealth declarations law will be published soon
Lawmakers are working on passing legislation to create a more effective framework for the submission of wealth declarations by certain state officials and Politically Exposed Persons.
MPs propose pension regulation bills
MPs proposed six bills aimed at regulating multiple pensions and the retirement age limit for state officials during a House ethics committee meeting.
MPs focus on making online state services more accessible
The House ethics committee discussed making online state services more accessible for digitally illiterate individuals. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou aims to simplify procedures to reduce delays and improve communication between departments and the public. Changes have been made to speed up processes at the urban planning department and Land Registry. The Department of Road Transport is expected to be fully digitized by June 2025. Measures are being taken to assist citizens who have difficulty with online applications. Labor Minister Yiannis Panayiotou highlighted improvements in streamlining services, such as faster pension payments and increased call center efficiency.
180 reports before the anti-corruption authority
Fact: Allegations against former President Nicos Anastasiades are being investigated by a team “above any suspicion” led by the anti-corruption authority head Charis Poyiadjis.
Cash flows to Cyprus increase, amid money laundering fears
– €90 million out of €101.6 million declared in cash transactions have no prosecutions before court.
– Most cash declarations at airport customs offices are for the purchase of real estate.
– In the beginning of 2023, 25% of entities were designated as high risk for money laundering, terrorist funding, and tax avoidance.
– There is currently no limit on the amount of cash someone can use to purchase something in Cyprus, as long as purchases over €10,000 are declared to the tax commissioner.
Calls for transparency on First Lady, ’s social support fund
Fact: MPs called for more transparency over the social support fund managed by the First Lady during a House ethics committee meeting.