Nicosia, Cyprus. A confidential document has raised questions about Cyprus’ oversight system for former ministers entering the private sector after an authorisation for former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis was not found in Parliament’s records. The document indicates Parliament was not informed in writing of the approval, despite a legal requirement.
Approval not reflected in parliamentary archives
According to local media sources, the document confirms that Lakkotrypis received approval in July 2021 from the legally mandated three-member committee to serve as a member on the board of ElvalHalcor, a Greek copper and aluminium company.
No trace of this approval appears in parliamentary archives, despite an explicit legal obligation for the House to be informed in writing.
Scrutiny intensified over post-ministerial activities
The discrepancy emerged during parliamentary scrutiny of Lakkotrypis’ post-ministerial activities, which intensified following the release of a covertly recorded video alleging purchasable patronage to the Presidential Palace.
Akel MP Irene Charalambides said earlier this week that Parliament holds records for only eight permits issued to Lakkotrypis during the two-year hiatus period after he left office in July 2020.
“The data is inconsistent,” she said, adding that the permit linked to ElvalHalcor could not be located.
“Either Parliament was never informed, or the licence was never requested. Both scenarios raise serious issues.”
Document states Parliament was not informed
The confidential document clarified that Parliament was never informed.
Signed by the then members of the committee, including a representative of the legal service, the audit office and the treasury, the application was approved after consideration of a letter from the then energy ministry’s permanent secretary, Marios Panayides.
Legal framework on post-service employment
Under the 2007 law governing post-service employment, former ministers are barred from private sector roles linked to their portfolio for two years unless they secure permission from the independent committee.
What steps should Cyprus take to ensure Parliament receives all legally required notifications about post-ministerial approvals?