The House legal committee in Cyprus has rejected a presidential referral to grant the police chief extensive appointment powers, a move spearheaded by Independent MP Kostis Efstathiou. This legislative pushback aims to balance police autonomy and democratic oversight, ensuring fair specialist appointments in light of evolving crimes and the financial implications on the national budget.
The urgency for education reform in Northern Cyprus is driven by the sector’s inability to supervise the bloating number of faculty, universities, and students, resulting in questionable legitimacy of academic credentials and an overwhelmed legal system. Immediate action is needed to prevent irreversible damage to the region’s education standards and international reputation.
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.
The education sector in northern Cyprus is plagued by corruption issues such as fake degrees, embezzlement, and misconduct, with legal charges for forgery and larceny being made against university officials. The scandal at Kibris Saglik ve Toplum Bilimleri Universitesi (KSTU) has brought to light systemic corruption, criminal activities, and the misuse of educational institutions for human trafficking, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reforms.
The power struggle in Cyprus between the President and the Audit Office, led by Odysseas, involves allegations of financial impropriety and government corruption. The President faces accusations of unethical costcutting and dubious payments, while the Audit Office’s actions imply political ambitions and an assertion of authority.
President Nikos Christodoulides made an unexpected visit to Ayios Dhometios to assess security measures and reassure local residents after a Turkish military incursion in the buffer zone. The visit comes amidst heightened tensions and diplomatic activities concerning Cyprus’s safety and sovereignty, with the President engaging with residents and discussing strategies to bolster the buffer zone’s security.
