Historic legal and audit reform set in motion as Cyprus modernises core institutions

The Council of Ministers has approved a series of draft laws aimed at modernising the Law Office and the Audit Office, Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced.

In statements after the Cabinet meeting, Hartsiotis said the reforms include ending the dual role of the Attorney General, establishing new independent offices for the Public Prosecutor General and Deputy Public Prosecutor General, and granting financial autonomy to the Audit Office.

Under the new framework, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General will serve non-renewable eight-year terms, a provision that will also apply to the new Public Prosecutor General, Deputy Public Prosecutor, as well as the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General.

Hartsiotis pointed out that modernising institutions was a key election commitment of President Nikos Christodoulides. “With today’s decision, we are implementing another important promise,” he said.

For the Audit Office, he added, a long-standing request for financial independence is being fulfilled, strengthening its operational autonomy. Additionally, the qualifications for the Auditor General will be updated for the first time since 1960, and an Audit Council will be created to oversee the office’s broader strategy and provide advisory support. The council will have three members appointed by the Cabinet for a five-year term.

Regarding the Law Office, the Justice Minister explained that the bills abolish the Attorney General’s dual role as both legal advisor to the state and head of criminal prosecutions. The Attorney General will remain the government’s chief legal advisor, while a new independent Public Prosecutor General and Deputy will handle all criminal cases.

The Law Office itself will gain greater operational independence. As the Minister said, separate prosecutorial councils will oversee appointments, promotions, and transfers in both the Legal Service and the new Public Prosecutor’s Office, ensuring full institutional independence.

All four top legal officials — the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, Public Prosecutor General, and Deputy Public Prosecutor — will be appointed by the President of the Republic.

According to Hartsiotis, the new offices of the Public Prosecutor General and Deputy are expected to be operational by the end of 2027, once the new legislation is fully implemented.

(Source: CNA)