Conflict between MP Odysseas Michaelides and Auditor General Andreas Papakonstantinou

Former Auditor General and current Member of Parliament Odysseas Michaelides has engaged in a public dispute with the current Auditor General, Andreas Papakonstantinou. The conflict emerged during a recent session of the Parliamentary Audit Committee. Michaelides, who previously served as Auditor General after his 2014 appointment, now advocates for increased parliamentary oversight of the Audit Office. Conversely, Papakonstantinou maintains that while the Audit Office is independent, it is not beyond control, distinguishing between regulatory financial oversight and direct interference. Critics highlight a shift in Michaelides' stance, noting his past insistence on the autonomy of the Audit Office while he led the institution. The disagreement involves requests for internal documents and questions regarding operational procedures. This friction follows the unanimous decision by the Supreme Constitutional Court to remove Michaelides from his former position as Auditor General.