Newsroom
In a recent interview with "Kathimerini," former Deputy Government Representative Doxa Komodromou shed light on the controversy surrounding her resignation, which was closely tied to the issue of overtime payments. The interview, conducted by journalist Andreas Kimitri, delved into her perspective on the matter and the circumstances leading to her departure.
Komodromou began by asserting her belief in the presence of political motivations behind the controversy, suggesting that the president could have intervened earlier to prevent the situation from escalating.
Her key argument centers on the legality of her actions, as she was officially seconded to the presidency based on the Legal Service's opinion and the decision of the Public Service Commission. She made a crucial point about the distinction between a state official and an officer, referencing an attorney general's opinion that supported her stance.
During the interview, Komodromou revealed that the administration of the presidency handled the intricacies of the overtime matter, involving communication with the University of Cyprus and the Public Service.
A notable point of uncertainty was whether President Christodoulides had knowledge of the situation during his absence in New York. Komodromou expressed regret over what she perceived as one-sided media coverage, emphasizing that the president had the opportunity to address the issue sooner.
In terms of responsibilities, Komodromou stressed the importance of addressing positions expressed in Parliament and the opinions of the auditor general promptly, with support from the Legal Service. She called for the establishment of clearer procedures to avoid ambiguity and political manipulation, advocating for transparent dialogue and definitive decisions on such matters.
Explaining her resignation, Komodromou disclosed that she had recommended against withdrawing the funding request from Parliament, asserting its alignment with relevant legislation.
Her suggestion, however, was not accepted, prompting her to resign in a bid to protect her reputation. She acknowledged that President Christodoulides' absence abroad had hindered his ability to address the issue promptly.
Komodromou defended the practice of civil servants holding positions in institutions like the University of Cyprus, citing legislative support for such arrangements.
She recognized public concern over overtime related to charity events and memorial services, offering an apology for any disturbance it may have caused. She clarified that she had not sought financial gain from these activities.
Furthermore, Komodromou admitted to an error in recording her participation in the Christodoulas March on an overtime form, acknowledging that such documentation was unnecessary, given her intention to attend the event regardless. She emphasized the absence of fictitious overtime entries and highlighted her history of unpaid hours worked throughout her career.
In conclusion, Komodromou addressed the issue of the overtime payments, mentioning that they would be repaid, with the sum for three months being relatively small. The interview provided valuable insights into her perspective on the matter and the circumstances surrounding her resignation.
