Vassiliou directs police driver to report for reassignment

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former first lady Androulla Vassiliou has instructed the police officer serving as her driver to report to police headquarters on Monday for directions on a new posting.

She said the decision was intended to support justice ministry reforms and save public money.

Statement on reassignment

Vassiliou said the officer had served her since the death of her husband.

“Because I sincerely want to help the justice ministry implement its decisions and save public money, I have instructed the officer I have had since my husband’s death to report to police headquarters on Monday to receive instructions for his new post,” she said.

The announcement followed remarks Vassiliou made during an appearance on Sigma TV on Thursday, when she described the decision to end her police protection as “odd” but said she respected it.

She said the driver had not been used for personal matters. “For private events I didn’t use the police,” she said, adding that the officer had accompanied her to diplomatic functions and official engagements.

Security arrangements reviewed

Vassiliou is among several senior figures affected by an overhaul of state security arrangements announced this week by Justice Minister Costas Fitiris.

The reform also reduces protection for former House presidents Demetris Syllouris and Yiannakis Omirou. Responsibility for risk assessments will move from the cabinet to the police security committee, following a legal service opinion.

Former first lady Elsi Christofias has also lost her single assigned officer under the changes.

The justice ministry said all existing arrangements were being reassessed, with reviews to take place every six months or earlier if required.

“Police guarding is a security measure and is provided where an objective risk assessment documents its necessity,” the ministry said, adding that protection would be “terminated or changed accordingly” where the need was not documented.