Cyprus government considers abolishing interdepartmental civil service promotions

The Cypriot government and the civil service union PASYDY are moving toward abolishing the interdepartmental promotion system, which was introduced in January 2024 as part of a broader civil service reform. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos has publicly acknowledged the validity of the request to end these promotions, citing operational difficulties. Currently, employees can claim positions at the A13 scale or higher in different departments, a process that requires aptitude tests, written examinations, and oral interviews before the Public Service Commission.

Practical implementation has revealed significant issues within the state machinery, as appointees frequently lacked the necessary expertise for their new roles, leading to dysfunction. A joint committee representing the Ministry of Finance, the Public Service Commission, and PASYDY has been established to finalize the decision. Stratis Matthaiou, General Secretary of PASYDY, described the current system as a source of disruption and chaos. The committee expects to reach a consensus by the end of September, with the goal of presenting a unified recommendation to the President of the Republic for final approval.