Filenews 7 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The recent recommendation of the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority (AAkD) for criminal responsibilities against a former minister and heads of departments in the case of the diversion of the Kouris River, acted as a bell for the political system. This case, where officials seem to have acted as they saw fit to serve the interests of a fish farming unit, highlights the huge gap in the integrity of the appointed persons.
In response to the challenges and following the strict recommendations of the GRECO Group, the Authority implements the amended "Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2026". At the heart of this plan is "Action 6", an ambitious strategy that aims to shield the persons who hold the keys to power.
For the first time, specific categories of officials are being put under strict control and training who, although they do not always hold executive power in the strict sense, have a decisive influence on public policies. "Action 6" concerns political appointees who may not hold executive powers stricto sensu (in the strict sense), but they exercise executive functions, as they are either directly involved in decision-making regarding public policies or have a decisive influence on their development, due to the position they hold.
PTEFs (Persons entrusted with top executive functions): These are the persons appointed by the central government and entrusted with top executive functions. This category includes: The President of the Republic. Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The Secretary of the Council of Ministers and the Commissioners. Government Representatives and Assistant Representatives. The Director of the President's Office. The director of the President's Press Office, the President's advisers.
CPTAs (Consultants and Associates): These are the consultants and associates hired at the discretion of the central government to advise the people assigned to them in top executives. "Integrity issues for these individuals are critical, as they manage extensive authority and resources. A breach at this level destroys citizens' trust, undermines the rule of law and causes widespread negative impacts," the Authority emphasizes.
Ten red risk areas
The Authority has mapped the risks that threaten the integrity of the appointees, emphasizing phenomena that often concern the news:
The 10 main risk areas for integrity can be:
● Bribery (offering/accepting exchanges for influence).
● Blackmail (demanding benefits by coercion).
● Embezzlement (illegal appropriation of public resources).
● Nepotism/Favouritism (preference of relatives/friends).
● Unfair Influence Exercise (abuse of position for personal gain).
● Conflict of Interest: Personal interests that influence the impartial performance of duties.
● Abuse of Power: Using public authority for private gain or causing harm.
● Lack of Transparency and Accountability.
● Revolving Doors: The transfer of high-ranking executives from the public sector to private companies (or vice versa), especially to positions related to the sector they were supervised, creating a risk of conflict of interest and undue influence.
● Ethical Violations: Violation of ethical standards.
The five steps of shielding
The Action Plan, which is expected to be fully implemented in the first half of 2026, includes:
>> Independent study: Experts will define a control and compliance methodology for (a) risk areas, (b) measures to address these risks and ensure integrity, and (c) define a control and compliance methodology.
>> Horizontal cooperation: Coordination of the Authority with the Audit Office, the Incompatibility Committee, the Special Advisor on Ethics Issues and the Internal Audit Service.
>> Compulsory Training: Annual seminars for all newly appointed PTEFs and CPTAs.
>> Lobbying Control: As of March 1, 2024, officials are required to declare any conflict of interest in writing when making decisions.
>> Code of Conduct (Charter): Moral commitments that, if violated, will lead to penalties for abuse of power.
Strengthening the integrity of political appointees is of paramount importance
In the context of the AAD's Anti-Corruption Action Plan, strengthening the integrity of political appointees through specific measures is of paramount importance for the following reasons:
>> Safeguarding public trust: Political appointees are in positions of power and responsibility. Their integrity is fundamental to inspire confidence in citizens that decisions are made in the public interest and not for personal gain or unfair expediency. The lack of integrity erodes this trust, leading to frustration and distraction of citizens from institutions.
>> Ensuring Good Governance: Integrity ensures that policies and decisions are made based on objectivity, legality, and efficiency. When appointees act with integrity, the risk of corruption, mismanagement, and unfair practices is reduced, leading to better governance and more efficient use of public resources.
>> Protecting the Rule of Law: The integrity of political appointees is essential for upholding and implementing the rule of law. When the authorities themselves act with integrity, the legitimacy of the institutions and equality before the law are strengthened. Conversely, a lack of integrity can lead to violations of the law and injustices.
>> Setting a positive example: Political appointees, due to their position, are role models for public officials and citizens in general. Demonstrating a high level of integrity by them can create a positive culture and encourage similar behaviours throughout society.
>> Strengthening the international image: For a country, the integrity of its government officials affects its international image and credibility. Countries with high levels of integrity are more attractive for investment and have better relations with the international community.
Strengthening the integrity of political appointees is not just a moral choice, but a necessary condition for the proper functioning of democracy, economic development and the well-being of society.
Commissioner for Transparency, Haris I. Pogiatzis, calls for mobilization: "Our vision is a society free from corruption. To achieve this, the integrity of political appointees is not just a choice, but a prerequisite for our democracy."
