Cyprus is experiencing a significant transformation within its justice system, highlighted by the recent appointments of a new Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. These crucial changes are accompanied by ambitious plans to modernise the nation's correctional facilities. President Nicos Anastasiades has expressed his conviction that these developments will significantly restore public confidence and improve the overall effectiveness of the legal framework. Furthermore, these initiatives aim to address ongoing challenges within the country's prison service.
George Savvides, a highly respected legal expert and former Minister of Justice, officially assumed his duties as Attorney General on Monday. He was joined by Savvas Angelides, who has taken on the role of Deputy Attorney General, previously serving as Minister of Defence. Their swearing-in, which was expedited from its original July 10th date, clearly signals a strong governmental commitment to revitalising the justice sector with enhanced vigour and integrity. The outgoing Attorney General, Costas Clerides, had submitted his resignation shortly before this transition occurred.
During the official ceremony, President Anastasiades emphasised the absolute necessity of integrity and unwavering ethical standards for individuals appointed to such critical positions. He articulated a clear vision for the Attorney General's office to operate with unimpeachable morality, discretion, and profound legal knowledge. This office is intended to serve as a vital safeguard against any potential for arbitrary decisions or the misuse of executive authority. The President stressed that citizens expect these officials to meticulously adhere to their defined powers and responsibilities, safeguarding fundamental principles and values. He unequivocally stated that they are now independent state officials, immune from external interference in their professional work.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Justice is initiating a comprehensive revision of the correctional system, a subject that has undergone extensive discussion in recent weeks. Minister of Justice Konstantinos Fytiris has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including a recent meeting with representatives from the prison guards' union, "Equality." This collaborative dialogue follows the Minister's direct visits to the Central Prisons, demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying and resolving systemic weaknesses.
The proposed reforms are specifically designed to tackle long-standing issues concerning the working conditions for prison staff and the general operational efficiency of these institutions. A key proposal involves the creation of ninety new positions to strengthen staffing levels, alongside an improvement to the service hierarchy. A particularly significant development is the introduction of a points-based system intended to acknowledge and reward the accumulated experience of prison guards in promotion decisions. Moreover, the ministry is committed to clearly separating operational responsibilities from union activities, thereby fostering a more disciplined and focused working environment. An important agreement has been reached regarding the establishment of an independent team responsible for enforcement and investigations. Crucially, this unit will not include existing prison guards to guarantee impartiality. The need for a prison director with substantial expertise in correctional policy and human resource management has also been identified as a critical appointment.
The overarching objective of these multifaceted developments is to cultivate a justice system that is not only more efficient but also commands greater public trust. President Anastasiades has explicitly tasked the new Attorney General with prioritising the swift resolution of pending legal cases, a crucial factor in improving the overall responsiveness of the judicial process. These combined efforts to invigorate both the prosecutorial arm and the correctional infrastructure represent a determined step towards a more robust and dependable legal landscape in Cyprus.