Paphos, Cyprus. Acting Paphos mayor Angelos Onisiforou said he hopes calm will return to the town after elected mayor Phedonas Phedonos was suspended from his duties while facing allegations of domestic abuse and rape.
Call for institutional stability
Speaking outside the town hall on Thursday, Onisiforou said the municipality’s priority is “institutional stability” and that authorities should be allowed to carry out their work. He said he hopes the truth will emerge quickly and added that he is “truly sorry for what has happened and what has come to light”.
Response to questions on investigations
Asked about concerns that allegations against Phedonos were not investigated closer to the time of the alleged offences, Onisiforou declined to comment on police work, saying it is not his role to analyse it. He said the courts will decide, adding that “perhaps there were some omissions,” and expressed hope that justice will be served and the truth will become clear.
Municipality operations to continue
Onisiforou said the municipality will continue operating normally and that the council’s agenda will resume from next week. He said additional meetings will be held if needed so that nothing remains pending.
Contact with suspended mayor
He said he has not spoken to Phedonos since taking on mayoral duties, but said they will communicate if necessary. He also said he wants normality restored at the Paphos town hall and called for unity, saying the council and its partners will work for the good of the town and its people.
Police guard and interior ministry decision
The Paphos town hall remained under police guard throughout Wednesday night, after Phedonos visited the building on Wednesday evening to collect personal belongings. The interior ministry announced earlier on Wednesday the suspensions of Phedonos and Lekoniko mayor-in-exile Pieris Gypsiotis, with both set to receive a third of their salaries while suspended.
What impact do you think the suspensions will have on municipal governance in Paphos?