The municipal leadership in two significant Cypriot towns has been unexpectedly interrupted, as the mayors of Paphos and Lefkoniko have been placed on mandatory leave. This decisive action follows the initiation of criminal investigations against both elected officials, a measure confirmed by the Cyprus Interior Ministry on Wednesday. Such suspensions are mandated by legislation specifically designed to uphold integrity within public office when officeholders confront grave accusations.
These enforced absences for Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos and Lefkoniko Mayor Pieris Gypsiotis are a consequence of distinct yet equally serious allegations. Mayor Phedonos is currently under investigation for an accusation of rape, reportedly dating back approximately a decade and brought forward by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou. Separately, Mayor Gypsiotis faces scrutiny for alleged incidents of domestic violence that are said to have occurred between 2019 and 2023, preceding his election victory.
According to Article 113 of the Municipalities Law, elected officeholders facing charges that carry a potential prison sentence exceeding three years are automatically suspended. This legal framework is intended to preserve public confidence while judicial proceedings are underway. During this period of compulsory leave, both mayors are entitled to receive one-third of their standard remuneration. If they are subsequently exonerated or if investigations conclude without formal charges, they will be reinstated with full back pay. Conversely, a conviction would lead to their immediate dismissal and forfeiture of any withheld salary.
The Interior Ministry’s official confirmation of these suspensions occurred after a period of intense scrutiny and police activity. It is understood that law enforcement commenced their inquiry into the Paphos mayor’s alleged transgression only a day after a woman provided testimony regarding a decade-old incident. The investigation into Mayor Gypsiotis, meanwhile, concluded earlier in 2024, with court proceedings anticipated to begin in March 2026.
These suspensions are expected to be formally enacted upon their publication in the official gazette, with an extraordinary edition anticipated shortly. Approval for this publication awaits the return of Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou from Brussels. This institutional response, especially the prompt application of mandatory leave for elected officials facing such serious allegations, is being highlighted as an unprecedented application of the current legislation, which was enacted in 2022. The immediate consequences are tangible, with Mayor Phedonos reportedly seen collecting personal items from his office on Wednesday. These developments underscore the stringent accountability mechanisms now operative for those in public service.