Cypriot government to cut security details for former officials

On September 22, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, announced that the government will terminate or reduce the police security details assigned to several former state officials, effective October 5, 2026. This decision follows an updated risk assessment conducted by the police, which concluded that permanent protection is no longer necessary for these individuals.

Specifically, the security details—consisting of two police officers each—assigned to three former Presidents of the House of Representatives, Marios Karoyian, Dimitris Syllouris, and Yiannakis Omirou, will be removed. Similarly, the police drivers provided to the spouses of former Presidents, Elsie Christofia and Androulla Vassiliou, will be withdrawn. Regarding the former President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, his security detail will be reduced from 12 officers to 8 or 6, depending on the source report, with static home security to be replaced by electronic surveillance systems and patrols starting in early 2027.

The initiative is part of a broader government effort to restructure security arrangements and optimize the use of police personnel, with at least 13 officers expected to return to operational duties. Officials stated that the measures are based strictly on risk assessment rather than the status of the individuals involved.