Nicosia, Cyprus. A tense debate broke out in the parliamentary legal committee on Wednesday over reforms to police working hours, as police chief Themistos Arnaoutis maintained his position despite union opposition. The planned shift changes for more than 1,000 front-line officers have already prompted protests outside the House.
Police chief cites legal authority and past approvals
Arnaoutis told the committee he would not suspend or reconsider the reform. He said he had exercised powers under article 8 of the police law, and that harmonising police working hours with the wider public service was approved by the cabinet in 2019 and ratified by parliament the same year.
He said the policy was never fully implemented by the previous administration.
Modernisation and operational pressures
Arnaoutis presented the changes as part of a broader police modernisation effort, citing operational needs, budgetary constraints, and increased demands linked to Cyprus’ presidency of the EU council. He said independent expert studies concluded the adjustment was necessary for a sustainable and effective police force.
“The modernisation of the police is not against its people, but for them,” he told MPs.
Unions warn of fewer rest days and added strain
Nikos Loizides, president of the Isotita (Equality) union, said consultation had been reduced to information only. He said officers were facing fewer rest days and indirect pay losses, while total working hours remained effectively unchanged.
Loizides also cited audit service findings on failures to grant statutory rest days and said the new system compounded fatigue and psychological pressure on staff.
How do you think police working-hour reforms should balance operational needs with officer welfare?
