Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides faces legal obstacles in accessing vital data for audits, notably concerning the ‘golden passports’ scheme, sparking conflicts with Attorney General George Savvides. This clash highlights issues of transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of government oversight, drawing international attention to the integrity of Cypriot governance.
MPs missed the asset declaration deadline, leading to an extension to July 8th. The declarations are essential for preventing ‘unjust enrichment’ and ensuring public officials’ integrity.
Cyprus introduces new wealth declaration requirements for officials and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), aiming to boost transparency and combat corruption. Detailed capital statements will be submitted to the Tax Commissioner for review, disclosing financial assets and net asset positions of officials and their families, except for Supreme Court judges who are exempt from these requirements.
The new government accountability website, www.diakivernisi.gov.cy, has been unveiled to provide citizens with detailed information on decisions, policies, and achievements of the administration, promoting transparency and civic engagement. Irene Piki, the undersecretary to the president, announced this significant step towards open governance, bridging the gap between the government and its people.
The construction project at Makarios Children’s Hospital has sparked concerns among parents and healthcare workers about potential health risks to immunocompromised patients. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has warned of the high mortality rate associated with nosocomial infections during construction, prompting the need for stringent protective measures to be put in place.
Andriana Nicolaou passionately demands a reinvestigation into her son Thanasis Nicolaou’s death, pushing for structural reforms in the justice system for transparency and accountability, with updates reviewed by an independent authority. President Nikos Christodoulides promises full transparency in the case, stressing the need for patience as investigators delve into potential misconduct from 2005 onwards.
The EU has warned member states, including Cyprus, about their lack of adherence to a 15% tax rate for multinationals and incomplete transposition of the directive on public countrybycountry reporting. Failure to comply may lead to action by the European Court of Justice, with a twomonth ultimatum given to meet EU standards for tax and transparency.
