**Title: Government to Introduce Bill Enhancing Investigative Powers of Anti-Corruption Authority**
The government of Cyprus is set to introduce new legislation aimed at granting the Anti-Corruption Authority enhanced investigative powers, as announced by Giorgos Panteli, the permanent secretary of the justice ministry. This development was shared during a session of the parliament's legal affairs committee, highlighting a potential significant shift in the authority's operational capabilities.
The announcement comes amid discussions surrounding two competing legislative proposals: one from the ruling party, Disy, and another from the opposition movement, Alma. Both proposals are designed to empower the Anti-Corruption Authority to conduct criminal investigations, a move that has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including the legal service.
Assistant Attorney-General Savvas Angelides expressed the legal service's support for a comprehensive government bill over piecemeal amendments, advocating for constructive dialogue on the matter. This sentiment reflects a broader consensus on the need for reform to enhance the authority's effectiveness in combating corruption.
The chairman of the Anti-Corruption Authority, Haris Poyiatzis, indicated the authority's readiness to assume these investigative powers but raised concerns regarding its current staffing levels. He noted that the authority is chronically understaffed, with only 16 employees, of whom only one holds permanent employment status. This staffing issue could hinder the authority's ability to effectively conduct investigations if the proposed powers are granted without addressing the personnel shortages.
During the committee meeting, legal affairs committee chairwoman and Disy MP Fotini Tsiridou emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that parliament has given the executive branch until October to draft and submit a bill. “We gave a timeline so that, at least by October, we have before us something that would help improve the functioning of the independent authority,” she remarked.
The debate over the two legislative proposals revealed differing approaches to how the Anti-Corruption Authority should appoint criminal investigators. The Disy proposal suggests that the authority should select independent investigators from a list prepared by the Cyprus Bar Association and approved by the attorney-general. In contrast, Alma's proposal advocates for the authority to appoint investigators directly whenever it identifies potential criminal offenses.
Poyiatzis expressed support for the Alma proposal, arguing that the Disy model could undermine the authority's independence. He stated, “We disagree with the Disy proposal whereby investigators would be selected from a list prepared by the bar association and approved by the attorney-general. This reduces the authority’s independence.” He further asserted that if the authority is to conduct criminal investigations, it should have full control over them, without oversight from the attorney-general.
The discussion was briefly interrupted by a procedural dispute when Alma MP Michalis Paraskevas questioned Angelides' participation in the meeting, suggesting that he had recused himself from matters involving the Anti-Corruption Authority due to pending cases. Angelides, however, denied this claim, insisting on his right to participate in the discussions.
Established in 2022, the Anti-Corruption Authority was created to investigate allegations of corruption and to promote transparency and accountability in public life. However, critics have pointed out that the lack of independent investigative powers has significantly limited the authority's effectiveness, leading to delays in addressing corruption cases. As of now, the authority has received a total of 849 complaints, with 580 investigated and 269 still pending.
The proposed legislative changes signal a potential shift in the government's approach to tackling corruption, with a focus on empowering the Anti-Corruption Authority to operate more independently and efficiently. As discussions continue, the outcome of this legislative initiative will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the authority.