Cyprus parliamentary committee debates major legal service reform

On September 30, 2026, the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs in Cyprus held a session to discuss extensive legislative changes aimed at reforming the Legal Service. The core of this reform involves separating the current dual role of the Attorney General into two distinct positions: the Attorney General, who acts as the state’s legal advisor, and the newly created Prosecutor General, who will handle all criminal prosecutions. Minister of Justice Costas Fytiris emphasized the government's commitment to modernization, supported by recommendations from the GRECO committee and the European Commission.

The reform package consists of approximately 40 legislative bills, including provisions for an eight-year non-renewable term for the newly appointed officials and the creation of an independent Prosecutorial Council. Attorney General Giorgos Savvides has raised serious concerns regarding the constitutionality of these changes, warning that they could lead to legal chaos. He suggested that once the new system is implemented, the matter will likely be referred to the Constitutional Court for a final ruling. If the court deems the changes unconstitutional, the state would be forced to revert to the current legal framework despite significant administrative and personnel shifts. The committee also touched upon revisions to family law during the session.