Controversy over police security detail for presidential commissioner Marios Hartsiotis

As of September 24, 2026, the Cyprus Police have assigned two officers—a sub-inspector and a constable—to provide security and driving services to the Presidential Commissioner, Marios Hartsiotis. This development has triggered significant public debate, as the assignment was made immediately after the government announced the termination of police guards for various former officials, including former Parliament Presidents and First Ladies, effective October 5. Critics and reports suggest that the security detail was requested by Hartsiotis primarily to secure a personal driver, rather than due to actual security threats.

Previously, Hartsiotis had been under scrutiny for using police officers from the Presidential Palace as drivers and for the unauthorized use of a state limousine for personal travel between Nicosia and his home in Limassol. Following complaints to the Audit Office, he was ordered to restrict state vehicle use to official purposes. While the Ministry of Justice, under Costas Phytiris, recently moved to reduce protective details for other officials to cut costs and enforce regulations, the decision to grant Hartsiotis a guard appears to contradict these efforts. The Audit Office and the Ministry of Justice are now reviewing the procedures to ensure compliance, with the Ministry indicating a commitment to reorganizing the protocol for official security.