Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris on Wednesday presented the government’s agenda to MPs, with new powers to tackle organised crime and policing reforms among the immediate priorities. He said the government would revive a stalled surveillance bill and submit legislation allowing the confiscation of assets that cannot be legally justified.
Organised crime legislation
Addressing the House legal affairs committee, Fitiris said the government’s immediate priority was to introduce stronger tools to combat organised crime, including the revival of a surveillance bill that has remained stalled since the previous parliamentary term.
“We will re-enter the discussion process to find the golden middle way,” Fitiris said, adding that the objective was to balance parliamentary concerns with “the operational requirements of the police”.
A proposal expected before parliament in the coming months would allow authorities to confiscate assets that cannot be legally justified.
Fitiris said the legislation, which follows EU rules due to be implemented by member states by 2027, had already been approved by the cabinet and would be submitted to the House.
He also linked the fight against organised crime to proposed constitutional changes and amendments relating to privacy and surveillance powers.
Pending bills and justice agenda
The minister told MPs that 38 government bills are currently pending before parliament, while a further 10 are expected to be submitted by the ministry.
Alongside organised crime measures, discussions also focused on policing reforms, prison overcrowding and the delivery of major justice infrastructure projects.
Police unit and body cameras
Fitiris confirmed that a specialist police unit dedicated to combating organised crime is operationally ready and is expected to begin functioning fully once accommodation arrangements are completed in the coming months.
He also said that between 300 and 500 body cameras will be purchased this year on a pilot basis, with funding included in next year’s budget to equip the rest of the force.