The tension between Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides and the Legal Services in Cyprus escalates over autonomy and procedure, potentially leading to a supreme court showdown amidst the “golden passport” scheme investigations. As legal challenges loom, the battle for independence and accountability within Cyprus’s institutions intensifies, with highstakes implications for governance and oversight.
The Audit Office has raised concerns over diplomatic living allowances, highlighting issues such as unauthorized payments, inflated costs, and a lack of ministry action. President Nikos Christodoulides was singled out for receiving a stipend while stationed in Cyprus, reflecting a broader problem of misuse and lack of oversight within the foreign ministry.
An audit of the Treasury’s fiscal activities uncovered that state officials are receiving both salaries and pensions simultaneously, which is against the law. The Treasury has been instructed to halt these dual payments starting January 2024 to comply with legal requirements.
President Nikos Christodoulides is being scrutinized for receiving over €18,000 in leave payments without proper approval, alleged personal use of a service vehicle that may require a reimbursement of €38,928, and an overpayment of around half of a €41,024 overseas allowance. The audit report raises questions about the legitimacy of Christodoulides’ tenure as government spokesman and calls for strict adherence to legal procedures.
