Dispute between Cyprus Minister of Justice and Police Chief over working hours

A significant administrative friction has emerged in Cyprus between the Minister of Justice, Costas Fytiris, and the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, regarding a unilateral decision to change the shift schedules of the Crime Prevention Units (OPE). The Minister issued a formal instruction to suspend the decision, citing a lack of prior consultation and the potential negative impact on the operational effectiveness of units crucial for fighting organized crime. The Police leadership initially kept the instructions in effect, issuing a statement emphasizing their commitment to crime prevention. Approximately 70 to 90 OPE officers are directly affected by this specific change, while the Cyprus Police Association notes that nearly 1,400 members have been affected by broader scheduling changes since December 30, 2025. The Police Association has expressed strong opposition, threatening dynamic measures if no dialogue is initiated. The Minister has publicly stated that while operational leadership holds authority, the political level retains full oversight to ensure the smooth functioning of the police force. The situation remains unresolved, with expectations that the matter will be further evaluated upon the President’s return to the country.