A bill that would make it a criminal offence for Cypriot ministers and senior officials to intentionally breach the Constitution faces strong resistance, raising doubts about its future. MPs discussed the proposal at a Legal Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday.
The bill, submitted by DISY MP Kyriakos Chatzigiannis, would expose ministers, deputy ministers, and other senior officials to imprisonment or fines for acts or omissions that deliberately harm the Republic.
Opposition from MPs and legal advisers
The proposal drew objections from MPs – including Chatzigiannis’s own party – as well as from the Cabinet Secretary, the Law Office, and the Justice Ministry. Critics argued the bill could criminalise political life and discourage officials from performing their duties.
The Cabinet Secretary said that, while no one is above the law, the bill’s wording is overly broad, overlaps with existing legislation, and leaves room for arbitrary interpretation. She warned it could create a two-tier system where ministers face heavier legal exposure than MPs or other officials.
Law Office representative Despoina Kyprianou emphasised that criminal provisions must clearly define specific offences and establish the severity of each act before setting penalties. She noted that existing laws already cover most of the conduct the bill seeks to criminalise.
Justice Ministry representative Phedra Gregoriou recalled that similar bills were submitted in 2013 and subsequently withdrawn. She added that a later bill had already increased penalties to address these issues.
Chatzigiannis defends proposal
Chatzigiannis defended his bill, noting that it carries no retroactive effect, does not target former ministers, and respects the Attorney General’s authority. He cited Germany as a model, arguing that public officials must remain accountable to the courts.
He highlighted past state failures, such as the airbags case, and asked whether events leaving the country without water or energy caused no harm to the Republic.
Bill remains in limbo
The committee did not make a decision, leaving the bill under review. Committee chair Nikos Tornaritis said MPs will examine it further to determine how to proceed, stressing the importance of careful management of public wealth and the need to avoid arrogance in public office.
Also read: Eurostat: Cyprus ranks 3rd in EU for Ukrainians under temporary protection
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