Audit Office reveals financial and management failures in Limassol Municipality
The Audit Office of Cyprus has published a special report detailing significant management weaknesses within the Limassol Municipality, specifically concerning public fund usage and staff administration. The findings highlight issues such as excessive spending on employee overtime amounting to millions of euros, questionable allowances and benefits, irregular service contracts, and the unauthorized use of official municipal vehicles for personal travel.
Independent municipal councillor Evangelia Paraskeva noted that these findings corroborate warnings she previously issued during the 2025 budget debates. Paraskeva had specifically called for improved management of municipal assets, stricter debt collection, and better oversight of companies linked to the Municipality. She also emphasized the need for whistleblower protection and independent internal audits.
While the current municipal administration maintains that the majority of findings relate to the period between 2017 and 2024, records indicate the current leadership was aware of the issues following correspondence with the Audit Office in December 2025 and March 2026. The Municipality has officially responded by stating that it views the report as a constructive tool and intends to implement corrective measures to enhance accountability, transparency, and administrative control.