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Lawmakers have unanimously approved tougher rules governing how former public officials move into private-sector jobs, aiming to close loopholes and better guard against conflicts of interest.
The amendment was introduced by Andreas Pasiourtides on behalf of the AKEL–Left–New Forces parliamentary group. It was further refined during discussions in the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions.
Under the updated law, the category of “state officials” has been broadened to include deputy ministers. Former officials must still seek approval before accepting private employment, and this restriction remains in place for two years after leaving office.
The new framework also increases oversight. Former officials will now be required to submit declarations every six months confirming that they are complying with the conditions of their approval. The independent supervisory committee, in turn, must communicate its decisions not only to the applicant but also to the prospective employer.
Additional safeguards include a requirement to report any significant changes in employment circumstances, allowing authorities to reassess and adjust previously granted permissions if necessary. The law also introduces criminal penalties for providing false information or failing to disclose changes that could create a conflict of interest.
Speaking after the vote, Pasiourtides said the reform was driven in part by shortcomings exposed during the so-called “videogate” controversy, which revealed weaknesses in the existing legal framework. He argued that the revised legislation addresses those gaps and corrects problematic aspects of the previous system.
He also noted that while there are plans by the executive branch to merge the independent oversight body with another committee responsible for incompatibility issues, a more pressing concern is ensuring the body is properly staffed and equipped to enforce the rules.
Meanwhile, Pavlos Mylonas of Democratic Party (DIKO) agreed that the changes move in the right direction, but cautioned that excessive regulation could eventually lead to over-policing political figures.
