The Interior Ministry has written to Police to determine whether the investigation into Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos over domestic abuse allegations warrants his suspension from office, sources said.
The ministry sent the letter on 26 January 2026, one day after Police announced they had launched an investigation into online reports claiming the mayor had beaten his wife. Both the mayor and his wife have denied the allegations, which surfaced in social media posts by Annie Alexui.
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou wants to establish whether the offences under investigation meet the threshold for triggering Article 113 of the Municipalities Law 2022, which mandates automatic suspension of elected officials facing serious criminal charges, according to sources.
Under the law, a mayor, deputy mayor or councillor is automatically suspended if Police are investigating an offence carrying a potential sentence of three years’ imprisonment or more.
The suspended official receives one-third of their salary until the investigation concludes or the case is adjudicated. If acquitted, they return to full duties and recover lost pay.
Police have not yet responded to the ministry’s request and may consult with the Law Office before doing so. Investigations are ongoing, with detectives examining three medical certificates from a hospital.
Police are expected to call in people who issued the certificates or were connected to certain events to give statements.
The mayor has welcomed the investigation, calling it an opportunity to clear his name and saying his turn to speak will come.
His wife posted that she does not need protection or “self-appointed protectors with ulterior motives,” adding that those who know her know she is not a victim and does not feel fear. She noted the couple’s 20-year harmonious relationship.
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