Newsroom
Cyprus’ newly appointed Minister of Justice and Public Order, Konstantinos Fytiris, promised Monday to take a hard line against corruption and collusion within the police and fire departments, warning that such misconduct erodes public trust.
Speaking on state television, Fytiris said rooting out corruption would be a top priority, alongside tackling understaffing, underpayment, and training gaps in the security forces. “These phenomena damage society’s trust in our institutions,” he said.
Fytiris, who accepted the ministerial post to “contribute to the country” amid multiple societal challenges, emphasized that his accountability is solely to the public. “Society is the only party I answer to,” he said.
The new minister stressed that he would rely on cooperation and expertise across his ministry, noting that while he is not a lawyer, he will work closely with the ministry’s legal staff to guide policy and decisions. He called for unity among the police and fire departments, saying that progress on crime, traffic, and prisons hinges on fostering a cohesive, disciplined workforce.
Fytiris also outlined his leadership philosophy, describing himself as determined, honest, and committed to decency. “Discipline always starts from the top. Supervisors must lead by example,” he said, stressing that he expects proper behavior first from leadership before demanding it of others.
When asked about the Cyprus issue, Fytiris said he would not engage in partisan politics, noting that his focus is on data collection and scenario planning, rather than expressing personal positions.
He concluded by calling for broad cooperation across parties and institutions to address the country’s challenges. “No one will be left behind in this effort,” he said, promising a collaborative, pragmatic approach far from petty political games.
