Nicosia, Cyprus. Former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, in his first appearance as an MP before a House parliamentary committee on Thursday, demanded that the Audit Office submit internal documents. The request prompted an objection from current auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou over parliament’s authority to access such records.
Dispute over internal documents
Michaelides asked the Audit Office to hand over minutes of meetings concerning procedural matters, including the approval of audits and their start and finish dates. His request was directed at his successor, Papaconstantinou.
Objection from auditor-general
Papaconstantinou told MPs that while the Audit Office was available to brief the committee on its services and operations, the House audit committee did not have oversight over the Audit Office.
“The Audit Office is at your disposal at any time,” he told MPs.
“You can invite us to brief you about our services and the way we operate. But I have an objection: the House audit committee has no oversight over the Audit Office.”
Michaelides cites legal basis
Michaelides rejected that position and said a law requires the Audit Office to comply with the committee’s request.
“It’s not a matter of opinion. The audit committee is the controller of the Audit Office,” he said.
Possible legal opinion
Papaconstantinou responded that if MPs insist on the request, he would seek a legal opinion. He said his objection was that, unlike reports issued by the Audit Office, meeting minutes are internal departmental documents and should not be shared with parliament.
Background
Michaelides was removed from the post of auditor-general in September 2024 for conduct unbecoming.
