Nicosia, Cyprus. A bill to abolish the social support agency was submitted to the plenum on Thursday, placing the fund’s future directly before parliament. Independent MP Alexandra Attalides said the move followed what she described as intransigence from the executive.
Bill sponsors and proposed changes
Attalides told the Cyprus Mail on Friday that the proposal followed remarks by the president that he was considering abolishing the agency. She said that when MPs approached the accountant-general on the matter, no such request had been made, so they proceeded with the bill.
The proposal was co-signed by Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou, Disy MP Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis and Attalides. It seeks to repeal the law establishing the agency and transfer all its assets to the state scholarships foundation following a transitional period.
Context and parliamentary scrutiny
The bill followed a tense parliamentary audit committee hearing on Thursday regarding a video alleging corruption and influence linked to donations to the fund and the presidential palace.
Transition period and beneficiary commitments
Under the bill, the agency would cease to exist as a legal entity after a six-month transition. During that period, its management committee would be restricted to settling existing obligations.
All ongoing commitments to beneficiaries would be assumed by the scholarships foundation.
Rationale and statements
The memorandum states that the aim is to enhance transparency and accountability and avoid parallel structures, arguing that responsibilities should rest with an institution operating under a clearer statutory framework.
Attalides said the current framework was untenable and argued that while the agency’s role should not disappear, it should be relocated.
What do you think the transfer of the agency’s assets and commitments to the state scholarships foundation would change?