AKEL criticizes the reappointment of Andreas Pashalidis as head of AAADIPA

President Nikos Christodoulides and the Council of Ministers have renewed the term of Andreas Pashalidis as president of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints against the Police (AAADIPA) for a third consecutive term. This decision has been formally criticized by the AKEL party, represented by spokesperson Haris Polykarpou. AKEL describes the appointment as an institutional diversion and a disregard for administrative ethics. The controversy stems from the fact that Pashalidis is currently serving as a criminal investigator in the 'VideoGate' case, which involves allegations against President Christodoulides regarding institutional corruption and the use of the First Lady's Fund. AKEL argues that the timing of the renewal, occurring just days before the publication of the VideoGate findings, compromises the impartiality of the investigation. The opposition party contends that the reappointment by the very person being investigated creates a severe conflict of interest. While the government has proceeded with the appointment, critics view it as a political act that undermines the integrity of the investigative process.