Nicosia, Cyprus. An employee serving at the Audit Office has reported workplace bullying in a letter dated December 29, 2025, according to information made known on Monday. The letter was also communicated to trade union SEK, the Cyprus News Agency reported.
Allegations raised in out-of-court statement
In his letter, containing an out-of-court statement and legal position, Michalis Nikiforou raised issues of legality, equal treatment, respect for his fundamental constitutional rights, workplace intimidation and political persecution.
Work history and changes after 2024 dismissal
Nikiforou, a construction works supervisor, said he had been serving at the Audit Office since 2014. He said that after the dismissal of former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides in 2024, he continued to work at the Audit Office with a differentiation of duties, despite there being no official reproach, disciplinary procedure or negative evaluation against him.
Transfer dispute and claimed targeting over political activity
Nikiforou said that in May 2025, after publicly signing an announcement supporting the establishment of Michaelides’ party Alma, he was summoned to the auditor-general’s office to explain himself and was informed shortly afterwards that he was being transferred without his consent. Since then, according to the letter, Nikiforou said he had been targeted in relation to the exercise of his political rights, which he described as workplace bullying.
Lawyer’s letter and response from auditor-general’s office
A month later, Nikiforou’s lawyer, Artemis Artemiou, sent a letter to the auditor-general, stating that there had been no official response to issues raised and that the client reserved the right to take legal action. The Cyprus News Agency said it contacted the auditor-general’s office, which refrained from commenting.
What do you think should be the next step when an employee alleges workplace bullying linked to political activity?
