Political parties widely decry decision to fire Auditor General

The majority of political parties on Wednesday lambasted developments at the Supreme Constitutional Court that led to Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides being fired from his post.

In parliament, a House ethics committee meeting was interrupted as news of the decision came through, with Akel MP Irene Charalambides and Volt MP Alexandra Attalides expressing their support for Michaelides.

Charalambides left the session to read out a damning statement, saying that Michaelides had ardently fought against a corrupt system, which kicked him out.

She said President Nikos Christodoulides had equated Cyprus’ corruption to that of Mexico, and charged him for “silencing the only voice that fought corruption.”

The MP added Michaelides had documented cases of corruption countless times and only recently been blasted for detailing problems over the Vasiliko liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal.

Nonetheless, it emerged that his audit report had been part of the backbone that the EU used to launch a corruption investigation into Cyprus’ handling of the case.

“The auditor general has strengthened accountability and transparency and has been punished. The court’s decision will have dire consequences for the rule of law,” she said.

The Green party said the court’s decision “undermines the credibility of Cyprus’ justice system” and “can be seen as a direct blow to the principles of transparency, accountability and, ultimately, democracy.”

Meanwhile, Diko expressed its disappointment over the outcome, calling it a blow to the institution of the auditor general. It made special reference to Michaelides, saying he strengthened transparency, accountability and oversight, which are essential for the public’s interest.

Volt said it appeared the bar to fire independent state officials had been greatly lowered. They called for the resignation of Attorney General George Savvides and deputy AG Savvas Angelides, who “have played a leading role in scandals that still plague the country, such as the passport fiasco.”

These are officials appointed by former President Nicos Anastasiades and firing the likes of Michaelides leaves Cyprus at the mercy of Anastasiades’ ‘gang’, the party said.

Akel charged the decision to fire Michaelides will only deepen the public’s distrust in institutions, as the audit office brought to light a number of scandals.

This was obviously not well-received, the party added.

“The decision is a very negative development, a blow to the independent institution of the Auditor General, and a serious blow to transparency, public accountability and oversight in our country.”

Akel said the way the entire matter was handled by Christodoulides’ government and the legal service “put public life in uncharted waters with unpredictable implications and consequences.”

Disy kept a more reserved stance, saying it respected the decision, and did not judge either the case or the ruling.

“We express our sadness that things reached this point. A clash of institutions that was led to the supreme level of justice.”

Disy party leader Annita Demetriou was the one that ultimately signed Michaelides’ dismissal as acting President, due to President Nikos Christodoulides’ absence abroad.  

“The audit office is of vital importance for the smooth running of the country. It is an institution that supports accountability and transparency,” she said.