Tensions flare over Auditor General appointment threat

Cyprus is facing a political storm after DIKO MP Zacharias Koulias repeated his threat to appoint a new auditor general while temporarily leading Parliament next week, according to a report by Kathimerini's Christos Bouris. What started as a joke has now caused serious concern, prompting Speaker of Parliament Annita Demetriou to cancel her trip to Malta to avoid any issues that might arise in her absence.

This controversy comes in the wake of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides’ suspension, which has already caused unrest among political parties and the public. Many are frustrated by President Nicos Christodoulides’ silence on the issue, leaving government representatives to address the situation.

Tensions were already running high after AKEL organized an anti-corruption protest outside the Presidential Palace. The ruling DISY party accused AKEL of using the situation for political gain, while AKEL fired back, blaming the government for enabling corruption.

When Koulias doubled down on his plan to appoint a new auditor general, even saying he had specific candidates in mind, the political tension deepened. He criticized the government for going after anti-corruption figures instead of dealing with corruption itself.

Although DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos tried to calm things down, saying Koulias would follow the rules if he took over in Parliament, the situation is still tense. Koulias had reportedly considered economist Stelios Platis for the role, who said he was open to it.

Demetriou's decision to stay in Cyprus is being seen as a direct response to Koulias' threats, and her statement about being present during tough times was viewed as a subtle jab at President Christodoulides, who has remained out of the spotlight during this crisis.

The dispute over the auditor general’s suspension has sparked heated debate and added to the growing frustration with how the government is handling corruption issues.