Cyprus government approves new ethics legislation and security salary reforms

On November 4, 2026, the Cypriot Council of Ministers approved two legislative proposals presented by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris. These reforms are designed to bolster transparency in public life and address salary imbalances affecting police officers and firefighters.

The first bill establishes an independent committee to monitor professional conflicts of interest for officials and civil servants rated at scale A13 and above across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This committee will oversee secondary professional activities during an official's tenure and for a mandatory two-year "cooling-off" period following their departure from office. The initiative also expands the existing list of officials subject to such oversight to ensure public integrity.

Simultaneously, the government approved regulations allowing for the recognition of prior years of service for special police and firefighters who transition into permanent roles. This adjustment is intended to facilitate fair wage progression for security personnel. The legislative package will now be forwarded to the Parliament for further discussion and final ratification.