Cyprus government plans legislation to grant investigative powers to anti-corruption authority

The Cypriot government, through the Ministry of Justice, announced plans to introduce a bill granting investigative powers to the Anti-Corruption Authority. During a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs held on Wednesday, officials discussed two sets of legislative proposals submitted by the DISY party and the Alma movement. These proposals aim to empower the Authority to appoint independent criminal investigators, a function currently reserved for the Legal Service and the Council of Ministers. Haris Poyiadjis, head of the Authority, reported receiving 849 complaints since the organization's inception, with only 17 leading to criminal investigations, and emphasized the need for addressing current staffing shortages. The Legal Service, represented by Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides, advocated for a broader dialogue to ensure any legislative changes are constitutional and free of legal loopholes. DISY proposed investigators be selected from a list approved by the Cyprus Bar Association, whereas the Alma movement suggested the Authority should have direct authorization power. The Committee has set an October deadline for the executive branch to submit its formal draft bill.