Government says armoured limousine proposal based on vehicle assessment
Government sources said a proposed armoured presidential limousine was based on assessed security and transport needs, pending parliamentary approval.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Government sources said the proposal to purchase an armoured presidential limousine was based on technocratic criteria following an assessment of the needs and condition of existing official vehicles.
The proposal prompted criticism on Saturday, while President Nikos Christodoulides said he had not been aware of the plan.
Vehicle assessment
The department of electromechanical services said it evaluated official vehicles for the transport of both the president and high-ranking official visitors.
It said procurement procedures would begin only after the House finance committee gives its consent and a budget is approved.
The department added that the vehicle would be expected to arrive within 12 months of the start of the relevant procedures.
President’s response
Christodoulides said he learned of the intended purchase through the press.
“I was informed this morning by the press about this intention to make a purchase. I knew nothing about it,” he told journalists.
He described criticism of the issue as a “populist approach”, saying attempts to use it to damage him politically would have the opposite effect.
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