President Nikos Christodoulides has highlighted three recent developments aimed at strengthening security in Cyprus, including a national civil protection mechanism, a specialist organised crime unit and a court ruling upholding the withdrawal of a foreign national’s subsidiary protection status.
In a video message, Christodoulides presented the measures as part of the government’s wider efforts to improve public safety and strengthen the state’s ability to respond to threats and emergencies.
The first development concerns the establishment of a National Civil Protection Mechanism, which will coordinate the relevant authorities through clearly defined responsibilities and a unified approach to planning and crisis management.
According to the president, the mechanism is intended to improve the response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
The second involves the operation of a specialised Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, modelled on modern law enforcement bodies such as Europol and the FBI.
Christodoulides described the initiative as a reform of the way Cyprus tackles serious and organised crime.
It will bring key police operational capabilities under a single command structure, make greater use of technology and strengthen cooperation with European and international law enforcement authorities.
The third development concerns a ruling by the International Protection Administrative Court, which upheld the legality of withdrawing subsidiary protection status from a third-country national who had violated public order.
Christodoulides said the ruling vindicated the government’s approach to migration.
“The decision confirms our highly successful migration strategy, which is delivering results, as well as the soundness and legality of our policy of withdrawing international protection status in cases involving violations of public order and security in our country,” he said.
The president added that the government was working to build a state capable of acting preventively, protecting citizens and responding to their security needs.
He said the approach extended beyond policing and public safety to other areas, including the economy, employment, education and healthcare.
Christodoulides said the government was pursuing these objectives through a clear plan, specific policies and the necessary political will.
“This is the approach guiding all our policies and reforms towards a more modern and stronger Cyprus. Together, we continue changing our country, providing security in every area,” he concluded.
