**Title: MPs Demand Government Action on Legal Service Reform Amid Judicial Delays**
In a session held on Wednesday, the House institutions committee scrutinized the European Commission's report on the rule of law in Cyprus, focusing on the pressing need for reform within the legal service and the persistent delays in judicial proceedings. The report reiterated the Commission's call for the government to finalize the reform of the legal service and to implement effective oversight regarding decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue prosecutions.
European Commission representative Panayiotis Pourgourides emphasized that the report aimed to motivate the government to take action rather than to assign blame. He acknowledged that progress on legal service reform has been slow, describing the undertaking as a “complex matter” but also highlighting it as a “unique opportunity” to enhance the independence and accountability of the legal institution.
Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki responded by affirming that the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations remains a priority for the government. She noted that a package of bills aimed at reforming the legal service was submitted to parliament last year, alongside legislation intended to regulate prosecutorial decisions. Piki also mentioned that amendments addressing deficiencies in recently passed legislation are being prepared and will be presented to the House in the coming months.
The committee's discussions also touched on the issue of judicial delays, which have been attributed to a shortage of support staff. Chief Registrar Maria Christodoulou reported that courts are struggling to recruit necessary personnel, such as office assistants, which has further complicated the efficiency of hearings.
The Cypriot Bar Association voiced strong criticism regarding the slow pace of judicial reform. Vice-President Nikolas Tsardellis characterized the current system as “anachronistic and outdated,” pointing out that delays have led to an 80 to 85 percent reduction in newly registered cases. This reduction raised concerns among MPs, who questioned whether the decline in cases indicated improved efficiency or if it was a result of individuals opting to avoid the courts due to the lengthy processes.
Disy MP Nikoleta Constantinou urged for the establishment of specific and measurable targets, expressing the expectation that by the next report, there would be clear goals for relevant bodies to work towards. Akel MP Konstantinos Konstantinou echoed these sentiments, noting that the ongoing delays are undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
The committee also reviewed the operations of the anti-corruption authority. Transparency Commissioner Haris Poyiadjis reported that by July, approximately 911 complaints had been filed, with around 71 percent of these complaints examined. He indicated that the authority is witnessing an increase in the pace of investigations, especially following the resolution of major cases. To bolster its efforts, the authority is expanding its staff from 16 to 22 by creating six additional positions.
Concerns were also raised regarding the audit office's access to necessary information to perform its duties effectively. Akis Gikas, representing the audit office, highlighted the need for legislation to clearly define the service's powers, citing recent disagreements with the central bank over access to information during a money laundering audit.
The committee's discussions extended to press freedom, with ESK president Giorgos Frangos asserting that advancements in this area remain inadequate. He pointed to the delays in ratifying the European Media Freedom Act and advocated for reforms in media self-regulation. Elli Kodjiamani, president of the Journalistic Ethics Committee, emphasized that legislative measures alone would not suffice, calling for mechanisms that support journalists and media organizations in maintaining their independence.
Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis reported that the Commission's findings did not contain negative assessments regarding the police, acknowledging their efforts to combat corruption and organized crime. However, Akel MP Panikos Xiourouppas expressed disappointment, stating that he had anticipated “solutions, a plan, dates” rather than merely a presentation of existing findings.
Alma MP Irene Charalambides underscored the necessity of separating the powers of the attorney general from the judiciary, asserting that discussions about the rule of law cannot proceed effectively without this separation.
As the committee continues to address these critical issues, the pressure mounts on the government to act decisively in reforming the legal service and improving the overall efficiency of the judicial system in Cyprus.