The Independent Authority Against Corruption will roll out a vetting system for political appointees after recommending criminal charges against a former minister and department directors who appeared to act arbitrarily to serve fish farm interests in the Kouris river diversion case.
The scandal exposed a major gap in the integrity of appointed officials and triggered Action 6 of the authority’s amended Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2026, which for the first time subjects politically appointed officials to strict vetting and training.
The plan targets two groups. PTEFs (Persons entrusted with top executive functions) include the president, ministers, deputy ministers, the cabinet secretary, commissioners, government spokespersons and presidential advisers. CPTAs (Consultants and Associates) are those hired to advise officials with top executive functions.
“Integrity issues for these individuals are critically important, as they manage extensive power and resources. A breach at this level destroys citizens’ trust, undermines the rule of law and causes widespread negative effects,” the authority said.
The authority identified 10 risk areas threatening appointee integrity: bribery, extortion and embezzlement; nepotism and favouritism; undue influence and abuse of power; conflicts of interest; lack of transparency and accountability; revolving doors between public and private sectors; and ethical violations.
The plan, due for full implementation in the first half of 2026, includes five measures. Experts will conduct an independent study to determine vetting and compliance methodology for the risk areas.
The authority will coordinate with oversight bodies including the Audit Office, Conflict of Interest Committee, the Special Ethics Adviser and Internal Audit Service.
All newly appointed PTEFs and CPTAs must attend mandatory annual training seminars.
From 1 March 2024, officials must declare any conflicts of interest in writing when making decisions under new lobbying controls.
A code of conduct will set out ethical commitments, with violations leading to sanctions for abuse of power.
The authority said strengthening appointee integrity is essential to safeguard public trust, ensure good governance, protect the rule of law, create positive examples and enhance Cyprus’s international image.
Transparency Commissioner Harris Poyiadjis said: “Our vision is a society free from corruption. To achieve this, the integrity of political appointees is not simply a choice, but a prerequisite for our democracy.”
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