**Protesters Demand Resignation of Attorney General and Deputy Over Mafia State Findings**
Nicosia, Cyprus – On Monday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the legal service's office in Nicosia, calling for the resignation of Attorney General George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides. This protest was organized by the political parties Akel and Volt in response to the findings released by the anti-corruption authority, which investigated allegations presented in Makarios Drousiotis' book, "Mafia State."
The demonstration coincided with the legal service's confirmation that it had received the anti-corruption authority's report and supporting evidence. Following the recusal of both Savvides and Angelides from the investigation, the responsibility for evaluating the case has been handed over to the prosecutor's office, which will determine the appropriate next steps.
Protesters held banners with messages such as “Against the system of corruption and cover-ups” and “The fish stinks from the head. Zero tolerance for corruption and collusion.” Akel's secretary general, Stefanos Stefanou, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the findings provided a crucial opportunity to confront what he described as a pervasive system of corruption and concealment.
“This is a historic moment,” Stefanou stated. He pointed out that the issues of corruption and conflicts of interest have become entrenched during the administration of former President Nicos Anastasiades, referencing the controversial citizenship by investment scheme and other scandals that have emerged in recent years.
Stefanou reiterated the call for the resignations of both legal officials, arguing that their previous roles under Anastasiades created an unavoidable conflict of interest. “Everything begins and ends at the attorney general’s office,” he declared. “Neither of them has the necessary distance from this matter. They were appointed by Nicos Anastasiades and served in his government. That is why they must resign and leave room for a full and objective investigation.”
Among the attendees was former Akel MP for Kyrenia, Christos Christofias, who echoed the demand for the resignations, citing a “clear conflict of interest” stemming from their government appointments. “We demand the pair of them resign,” Christofias told the Cyprus Mail.
Stefanou emphasized that Akel would continue to advocate for accountability, stating, “This is not the first time we have voiced our position that both the attorney general and deputy attorney general should resign. We are here today to make clear our position to the government that we will settle for no less than a fully independent investigation.”
Former MP and Volt member Alexandra Attalides also criticized the appointments of Savvides and Angelides, asserting that they should never have been approved in the first place. When asked about the absence of representatives from Alma, a party that campaigned on an anti-corruption platform led by former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, Attalides expressed confusion. “This is a national issue. Everyone should be out on the streets. Look at Albania and how people have mobilized. This is no longer a partisan dispute.”
The anti-corruption authority's report has recommended further examination of Anastasiades' conduct, along with several former officials. Additionally, a copy of the report has been forwarded to the tax commission for audits concerning individuals identified in the authority's recommendations. Anastasiades is expected to address the findings publicly during a press conference scheduled for Tuesday.
The protest highlights ongoing concerns regarding corruption and governance in Cyprus, as citizens demand transparency and accountability from their leaders. The situation remains fluid as the prosecutor's office prepares to take over the investigation, and the public awaits further developments in this significant political issue.