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A €45,000 bill from the police to Limassol's local authorities for security at this year's Sunday carnival parade has stirred heated reactions, with municipal officials calling the demand unacceptable and legally baseless.
According to Kathimerini's Hector Georgiou, the incident came to light on Wednesday during a Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee meeting, where the Director of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Michalis Sokratous, revealed that this was the first time police had ever requested payment for policing a public event.
Sokratous expressed the Union's strong dissatisfaction, warning that such a move could set a dangerous precedent for future events and violate the constitutional right of assembly.
Police confirm request
The request was confirmed by Assistant Chief of Police Ioannis Georgiou, who cited the force's limited budget and rising operational costs as justification. Georgiou explained that the police have been instructed to weigh the financial burden of each event in an effort to cut down on expenses.
Speaking after the meeting, Nikos Loizides, president of the police branch of the Equality Guild, said the union had long warned about staffing and budget shortages, which could affect police services.
Municipalities push back
The Union of Cyprus Municipalities issued a strongly worded statement, calling the demand "unacceptable and dangerous". It argued that municipalities have always enjoyed seamless cooperation with the police for public events without any financial burden — a practice that should continue.
"There is no legal basis for the Police to ask for financial compensation in return for the duties entrusted to them by the Constitution for the security of citizens," the statement read.
The Union warned that charging municipalities for policing public gatherings could undermine the fundamental right to assembly, which is protected by both national and international laws.
Police clarify stance
In response to the backlash, the police clarified that their decision was based on recommendations from the Ministry of Finance and the Auditor General's office to curb unnecessary expenses.
According to the police, a distinction is made between public protests or demonstrations — which are funded by the state — and artistic or festive events, where organisers are asked to contribute to security costs.
However, critics argue that such a policy could limit access to public spaces and put the burden of public safety on local authorities, ultimately passing the cost onto citizens.
With the issue now in the spotlight, the municipalities are calling for the government to step in and clarify the legal framework — before this year's carnival celebrations turn into a legal battle.
*This article was translated and summarized from its Greek original
