**Union Weighs In Over Tourism Ministry Spat**
The main civil servants’ union in Cyprus, Pasydy, has called for a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the recent suspension of Neofytos Papadopoulos, the permanent secretary at the deputy tourism ministry. The union argues that the suspension, which was recommended by Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis, is disproportionate and raises concerns about the treatment of civil servants.
Papadopoulos was placed on administrative suspension last week for a period of three months, pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry initiated by Koumis. The Public Service Commission (PSC) ratified this suspension, which includes a significant salary reduction of 50% during the inquiry period, the maximum allowable under civil service regulations.
Pasydy has expressed discontent with the swift actions taken by the PSC, suggesting that a transfer to another department would have been a more appropriate response while the inquiry is ongoing. The union emphasized that the measures taken against Papadopoulos could set a troubling precedent for how civil servants are treated in the future.
In a statement, Pasydy highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where civil servants feel empowered to express their opinions and exercise professional judgment, rather than instilling fear of repercussions for acting on their initiative. The union's leadership stated, “We want civil servants who show initiative… and not fearful employees who carry out instructions and decisions even when these are irregular or illegal.”
The tensions between Papadopoulos and Koumis have reportedly been escalating for several months. Koumis has accused Papadopoulos of insubordination, claiming that he has fostered a “toxic climate” within the deputy ministry. Allegations have surfaced that Papadopoulos instructed staff in writing to disregard orders from Koumis and took steps to propose a restructuring of the ministry without consulting his superior.
The conflict reached a peak in late February, following a drone incident at Akrotiri amidst ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf. Reports indicate that a heated argument erupted between Koumis and Papadopoulos during a meeting, with Koumis warning of potential negative consequences for tourist arrivals, while Papadopoulos reportedly disagreed with his assessment.
As the situation unfolds, the union's request for a meeting with the president underscores the seriousness of the matter and the potential implications for civil service practices in Cyprus. The outcome of the disciplinary inquiry and the union's advocacy for Papadopoulos will likely be closely monitored by both civil servants and the public alike.