The government is set to review legislation proposing the separation of the Attorney General’s powers and the creation of a council overseeing the Audit Office, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced today.
The move comes in response to recommendations from the European Commission’s 2024 report on the rule of law in Cyprus.
Speaking at a House Institutions Committee meeting Hartsiotis said that draft legislation and bills concerning the modernisation of the Attorney General’s Office and the Audit Office would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
The minister indicated that stakeholder consultations and legal drafting would follow the Cabinet’s approval, emphasising the government’s commitment to democratic procedures before the legislation reaches Parliament.
However, Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides, present at the meeting, highlighted the positive assessment of the Audit Office in the European Commission’s report. Michaelides cited Sweden’s adoption of the Cypriot Audit Office model, implying a preference for maintaining the office’s independence.
Sources suggest the government is considering introducing a supervisory mechanism to support the Audit Office’s work, though details remain unclear.
Regarding the Law Office, there appears to be no opposition to separating the roles of prosecutor and state legal advisor, a move likely requiring a constitutional amendment.
Elena Kleopa, representing the Law Office at the committee meeting, also mentioned this potential change.
The Cabinet was scheduled to meet today at 4 p.m. to consider these proposals.
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