Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel on Thursday called for the immediate resignation of attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides, despite their decision to recuse themselves from any involvement in a case linked to an Anti-Corruption Authority report. The party said their continued presence in office prevents the possibility of an impartial process.
Akel statement
In a statement issued by secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou, the party said the Anti-Corruption Authority’s findings represent a crucial test for institutions and warned that any failure to pursue accountability would further undermine public confidence.
Stefanou said Savvides and Angelides “should have gone home yesterday”, arguing that their remaining in office blocks an impartial process.
Constitutional concern
Akel said that, under the constitution, any criminal investigation arising from the findings would ultimately fall under the auspices of the attorney-general.
“It is an insult to the public’s intelligence to tell us that they will check Anastasiades, those being the two crutches of Anastasiades,” the party said.
Recusal decision
The party’s intervention came a day after Savvides and Angelides announced they would recuse themselves from evaluating or making decisions regarding the Anti-Corruption Authority’s report.
Savvides said his friendship and relationship with former president Nicos Anastasiades made the decision necessary to ensure “objective impartiality”. Angelides also said he would refrain from involvement.
Criticism of Disy and Christodoulides
Stefanou also criticised Disy and President Nikos Christodoulides.
Akel accused Disy of continuing to protect Anastasiades and said Christodoulides must recognise that the findings concern “the government of which he was a key figure” and “his political mentor, the one who installed him in the presidency”.