MPs question 21 semi-state board appointments outside advisory recommendations

Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs questioned the government on Wednesday over 21 appointments to semi-state organisation boards that were made outside the recommendations of an advisory council established to vet candidates. The government said the council’s role is advisory and its recommendations are not binding.

Appointments reviewed

Committee chairman and Disy MP Demetris Demetriou told the House institutions committee that 73 of the 94 positions filled in the latest round were given to people included in the council’s recommendations, leaving 21 appointments outside the list.

Deputy minister to the president Irene Piki, representing the government, said the vast majority of appointments had followed the council’s recommendations. She said the relevant decisions and justifications had been made public.

Piki also confirmed that the International Monetary Fund would provide technical assistance to improve governance of public entities.

Questions over government rules

Akel MP Constantinos Constantinou said the central question was whether the government’s own rules, set by the cabinet, had been respected.

Akel MP Anastasia Hasikou and Alma MP Irene Charalambides criticised the absence of published justification for appointments made outside the council’s list. Charalambides said the government had “fell below the bar that it itself set”.

Advisory council position

Advisory council chairman Giorgos Aresti said the body evaluates candidates and that its decisions have always been unanimous, based on candidates’ integrity and relevant qualifications.

He said the council had in some cases recommended fewer than three candidates for a position where it judged others unsuitable. Of its recommendations for chairpersons, only two had been rejected by the cabinet, while 10 had been accepted.

Piki said 1,282 people had expressed interest in the latest round, covering 12 organisations, representing around a 19 per cent increase from the previous round.

Advisory council member Eleni Mouzala questioned the appointment process at the state broadcaster.