Filenews 27 March 2025 - by Michalis Hadjivasilis
The criteria for granting gun licenses to private individuals are changing after gaps were identified. The beneficiaries will be filtered, while the Chief of Police will now decide who will circulate and carry weapons, instead of the Council of Ministers that was in force until now.
The issue was raised today before the Council of Ministers following a proposal by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis. According to information from Filenews, the law on firearms is being amended so that the competent body for the approval of an application for a firearms license is the Chief of Police, with the Council of Ministers now limited to the role of validator.
As provided for by the proposed changes, the submission of an application for a license to possess a pistol will be examined by the competent Security Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Chief of Police. He will then make the final decision. If the decision of the Chief is negative, then the Council of Ministers will no longer be involved. If it is positive, then the Ministry is informed, which will simply ratify it.
Among the changes that are coming is the granting of a firearms license valid for one year instead of two that is currently in force, while one of the provisions that is introduced concerns the mandatory training of the holder of a firearms license.
Today, according to our information, about 25 citizens hold a gun license, whether they are private guards or people who have received threats against their lives or their family members in the past. There is a tendency to reduce gun licenses, since a year ago these licenses exceeded 70.
The amending bill is now expected to be sent to Parliament for discussion and approval so that the new procedures can enter into force immediately.
