Nicosia, Cyprus. Direct Democracy on Thursday submitted a parliamentary resolution calling for the resignation of attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy, Savvas Angelides. The motion will be referred to the legal affairs committee before returning to the House plenary for consideration.
Resolution submitted to parliament
The proposal was announced before the House by MP Diana Constantinides, who said the resolution had been tabled by the movement as part of an effort to rebuild trust in public institutions.
House President Annita Demetriou said the matter had been discussed at a meeting of parliamentary leaders and would now be sent to the legal affairs committee before being brought back to the plenary.
Criticism over handling of case
The motion comes amid continued criticism over the handling of the Mafia State affair and the next steps following the publication of the anti-corruption authority’s investigation into allegations originally made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis.
The report found that former president Nicos Anastasiades may face potential criminal liability for abuse of power.
Government response and objections
In response, the government announced plans to appoint a team of independent criminal investigators to examine the authority’s findings and decide whether criminal proceedings should be pursued.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said more than one investigator would be appointed and that the selection process would focus on qualifications, suitability and the absence of conflicts of interest.
The government’s approach has drawn criticism from Akel and Alma, which argue that the investigators should be selected by the authority itself rather than by the cabinet.
Alma also questioned whether President Nikos Christodoulides should have any role in the process, citing his previous service in the Anastasiades administration and his appearance as a witness during the investigation.
Recusal from case
Savvides and Angelides recused themselves from further involvement in the case last week.
