Auditor-General challenges pension misconduct claims

Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides addressed several contentious issues during the third day of hearings at the Supreme Judicial Council, which is reviewing Attorney General George Savvides' request to dismiss Michaelides for alleged misconduct.

Michaelides responded to inquiries about various topics, including the title of Assistant Attorney General, lawyer donations for defense services, multiple pensions, the Ministry of Defense, and citizenship grants.

Michaelides expressed the Audit Office's concern that an existing law was deliberately not enforced, allowing the continuation of multiple pension payments. He noted that 15 soldiers serving in favorable positions at the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard Headquarters were not selected through objective procedures. During Angelides' tenure and that of his successors, he claimed there was a lack of objective processes and an excessive number of personnel.

Regarding access to citizenship files, Michaelides stated there was governmental delay in providing information in 2019. When the Audit Office signaled its intent to conduct a broader investigation, the Cabinet appointed another committee, which he said was used as a reason to withhold information from the Audit Office.

The cross-examination of the Auditor-General will continue on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. as the proceedings aim to conclude.

[Information sourced from 24 News]