The reform of the institution of the Attorney General through the separation of its dual role was the focus of the Annual Conference of the Law Office Academy in Nicosia.
President Nikos Christodoulides, House Speaker Annita Demetriou, Attorney General George Savvides (pictured above), and European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath addressed the conference themed 'Historical Evolution, Prospects and Challenges for the Institution of the Attorney General of the Republic', as Cyprus moves forward with plans to reform one of its most powerful constitutional institutions.
President Christodoulides calls for modernisation of the Attorney General’s institution
President Nikos Christodoulides stressed the need to modernise the institution of the Attorney General through the separation of its existing dual role. He said the reform responds to society’s demand for greater independence, transparency and the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest.
“The separation of this dual role is necessary as a measure of modernisation and as a requirement of the society for reasons of independence, full transparency and the avoidance of possible conflicts of interest or roles,” President Christodoulides said.
The proposed government reforms, he explained, would assign the Attorney General’s criminal prosecution powers to a new Office of the Prosecutor General, while the Attorney General would remain the state’s legal adviser and head of the Law Office.
He noted that the reform aligns with recommendations by the Venice Commission, the European Commission’s Rule of Law reports, and GRECO, adding that it would bring Cyprus closer to European and international standards.
President Christodoulides acknowledged the reservations expressed by the Attorney General regarding the constitutionality of the legislative proposal, saying that such concerns are fully respected and will be discussed within the framework of dialogue.
EU backs Cyprus reform to separate Attorney General’s dual role, says Commissioner McGrath
Addressing the conference in a recorded video message European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath said that separating the dual role of the Attorney General and establishing an independent Office of the Prosecutor General would be a crucial step toward strengthening both accountability and judicial independence in Cyprus.
McGrath reaffirmed the European Commission’s strong support for the ongoing plans to reform the institution and to implement the relevant recommendation included in the EU’s annual Rule of Law Report on Cyprus.
“This is indeed a unique opportunity to strengthen the institution's independence and also its accountability, and to bring it more into line with modern concepts of the rule of law,” McGrath said. He added that the separation of the dual role of the Attorney General and the creation of the Office of the Prosecutor General would “benefit both the independence of justice, but also the fight against corruption,” while reinforcing democratic checks and balances and improving the business environment.
He went on to highlight the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the justice sector through judicial training and digitalisation, noting that a new EU judicial training strategy will promote digital literacy and the use of artificial intelligence to make justice systems more efficient and resilient.
Referring to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the Commissioner described it as “absolutely essential” in protecting the Union’s budget and taxpayers’ money. He announced that the Commission will publish an evaluation report on the EPPO in June next year, to be followed by a proposal to revise its founding regulation and invited Member States to contribute their views to the process.
House Speaker: AG reform strengthens independence and accountability
In her address, House Speaker Annita Demetriou said that the discussion about the separation of powers of the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus does not aim to breach the institution, but to ensure and strengthen the independence, accountability and effectiveness of our legal system, for the benefit of the Republic.
Demetriou added that the Law Office of the Republic is not a distant or inaccessible institution but an institution “deeply connected to our everyday life, to the essence of the Rule of Law, to the functioning of the Republic and, ultimately, to the pursuit of a better life for all citizens.”
The institution of the Attorney General of the Republic, she noted, was called upon in the past to address political instability and complex constitutional challenges adding that today "it is called upon to respond to even more complex and specific challenges, since modern society requires absolute transparency, accountability and efficiency. And the institution of the Attorney General of the Republic is at the forefront of this challenge."
Attorney General calls for legislative action to safeguard institutions
Speaking at the Conference, the Attorney General, George Savvides, called on the House of Representatives to proceed with legislative measures to address the deliberate undermining of state institutions and to safeguard constitutional order.
Savvides warned that the exercise of such responsibilities is often met with criticism and distortion, amplified by the impact of social media, which shapes public perception through misinformation or incomplete legal know-how. Savvides said it was time for Parliament to move forward with legislative measures, bearing in mind that the deliberate undermining of institutions destroys democracy and is not protected by the right to freedom of expression.
Addressing the ongoing debate on the reform of the Attorney General’s Office, Savvides reiterated his “serious reservations regarding the constitutionality” of the proposed restructuring, particularly the separation of powers between the Attorney General and a potential new Prosecutor General’s Office. He noted that while the reform draws on recommendations from international bodies such as GRECO and the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report, it was prepared by the Governent “without prior consultation” with the Law Office.
Savvides also reaffirmed his Office’s commitment to combating corruption, describing it as “a continuous and evolving challenge.” He pointed to the establishment of a special Task Force in 2022 that coordinates all agencies handling corruption cases and to positive feedback from the European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report, which acknowledged Cyprus’ progress in this area.
(Source: CNA)
