Odysseas Michaelides, the now-former Auditor General of Cyprus, has spoken out against his dismissal on Wednesday, describing it as a victory for the system and a setback for anti-corruption efforts.
In a public statement following the ruling, Michaelides claimed he had been “removed” by the system. He said the court’s decision contained characterisations of him that were even harsher than those applied to Rikkos Erotokritou, a former deputy attorney general convicted of corruption.
“I served the institution for ten years and I leave with my conscience absolutely clean. The work produced speaks for itself and is recognised both in Cyprus and internationally,” Michaelides stated.
He alleged that there had been a coordinated effort to remove him from office since the beginning of his tenure, claiming that current President Christodoulides supported this effort.
Michaelides portrayed his dismissal as the result of his conflict with the establishment, saying, “It is clear to me that I came into conflict with the system, and today the system has achieved my removal, presenting me as the worst state official to have passed through Cyprus since 1960.”
The former Auditor General criticised the court’s decision, arguing that it “abolishes the role of the Audit Office” and represents “a blow to freedom of speech in Cyprus”. He described the day of the ruling as “a dark day for Cyprus”.
While acknowledging that he may have made mistakes, Michaelides denied any transgressions that would render him incapable of performing his duties as Auditor General.
“My struggle continues from today, and from today I am free,” he concluded, hinting at a possible future in politics.
His statement was met with cheers from supporters, some of whom called him “president”.
The case was initiated by Attorney General Savvides in April seeking Michaelides’ removal for inappropriate conduct.
Michaelides had been highly critical of state institutions, alleging corruption within the Law Office and other sectors, including accusations against the Attorney General himself. These repeated public accusations, along with Michaelides’ communication with international audit bodies, were seen by Savvides as undermining public trust in the Law Office and state institutions.
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