Paphos, Cyprus. The Paphos town council will hold an extraordinary session on Monday to decide its next steps, with the post of municipal secretary remaining vacant. The interior ministry is investigating whether former municipal secretary Themis Philippides continued performing duties after being placed on pre-retirement leave.
Ministry concern over duties during leave
Paphos has been without a municipal secretary since the retirement of 72-year-old Themis Philippides, but PafosNet reported on Friday that the interior ministry is concerned Philippides continued to perform his duties after being placed on pre-retirement leave.
The interior ministry’s director of local government affairs, Antonis Economides, said on Friday that Philippides should have been removed from his duties two weeks earlier and taken his leave cumulatively. Economides said the ministry should now investigate whether Philippides went to his office at the municipal building during that two-week period, performed the duties of municipal secretary when he should not have, and signed any documents.
Economides said any documents Philippides may have signed during that period would be considered invalid.
Council to consider interim appointment
The investigation follows a letter sent in January by Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos to the interior ministry requesting that Philippides be allowed to remain in post for some more time.
The council is expected to select a person on Monday to fulfil the role of municipal secretary until a permanent replacement for Philippides is found. Three names are said to be under consideration: the municipality’s health services director Christos Christou, municipal engineer Christos Constantinides, and financial department director Constantinos Christoforou.
Mayor removed as suspension continues
Phedonos was suspended from his duties earlier this week and was formally removed from his role on Thursday, having been accused of domestic abuse and rape.
His suspension will end when legal proceedings regarding the allegations have concluded. If he then returns to his duties, he will be entitled to the full amount of the salaries he lost during his suspension.
What steps will the Paphos town council take to fill the municipal secretary post while the ministry investigation continues?