Androulla Vassiliou criticizes the removal of her police security detail

Former European Commissioner and former First Lady of Cyprus, Androulla Vassiliou, has expressed dissatisfaction following the Ministry of Justice's decision to terminate her police security detail. The 83-year-old noted that while she fully respects the government's order, she finds it inappropriate to attend official events, conferences, and embassy functions alone. Vassiliou emphasized that the police officer assigned to her was used primarily for transport to formal duties, rather than personal matters.

This measure is part of a broader government policy decided on September 9, 2026, which also impacts other public figures, including former First Lady Elsie Christofia and former House Presidents Demetris Syllouris and Yiannakis Omirou. Vassiliou contrasted her limited security needs with the 13-person detail currently assigned to former President Nicos Anastasiades, arguing that the reduction of her guard is a matter of institutional prestige rather than just security. She noted that her late husband, former President George Vassiliou, never requested extensive guards, opting for one or two officers toward the end of his life.

Following the controversy, Vassiliou announced via social media that she has instructed her assigned officer to report to police headquarters on Monday to receive instructions for a new post. She stated her intention to assist the Ministry of Justice in its effort to save public funds, though she questioned the state's spending priorities.