Filenews 14 July 2025
A bill that strengthens the independence of the Anti-Corruption Authority, giving it full control over personnel recruitment and management procedures, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Monday. The Authority welcomed the development, saying it was an important step in the implementation of international recommendations.
According to the Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, this is a "very important" bill that gives the Authority the ability to autonomously handle the affairs of its house, through an Advisory Committee, which will be able to appoint, promote and manage its staff.
At the same time, a confidentiality clause is introduced for the members of the Committee, while the Authority also acquires independence in contracts concerning leases or leases, as the Minister said. The relevant bill will be forwarded to the Parliament for a vote.
Mr. Hartsiotis pointed out that the request for strengthening independence has been timeless and is now being satisfied by the government. He also recalled that, according to the new Rule of Law Report, Cyprus has the best picture of recent years on corruption issues, which, as he said, "is a response to the critics of the government's action".
With regard to the administration of justice, the Minister clarified that the competence for criminal prosecutions remains with the Legal Service, in accordance with the Constitution, and that the possible transfer of this power to the Anti-Corruption Authority would create complex legal issues.
For its part, the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority expressed its satisfaction with the approval of the bill, which it described as the result of a coordinated effort by the Ministry of Justice, the Legal Service and the Commissioner for Legislation. She stressed that the implementation of the relevant regulations will strengthen its work, while it is in line with the recommendations of GRECO and the Rule of Law Report.
CNA
