Cyprus's Attorney-General, George Savvides, has expressed significant reservations about a government proposal that would grant the Supreme Court the authority to review future decisions made by attorneys-general. This controversial element is part of a larger legislative initiative designed to restructure the attorney-general’s office, a move Savvides argues raises "serious constitutional concerns."
The proposed reforms, currently being examined by the House legal affairs committee, aim to separate the multifaceted responsibilities currently held by the attorney-general. The legislation envisages the creation of two distinct positions: an Attorney-General, primarily responsible for providing legal counsel to the government, and a Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who would oversee criminal prosecutions. This proposed division, according to the bill, would require different appeal procedures for decisions originating from each office.
Currently, the attorney-general’s decisions are largely protected from external scrutiny. However, the reform bill signifies a fundamental shift in this approach. A key point of contention, as highlighted by Savvides, concerns the proposed appeal process for the attorney-general’s rulings. The bill stipulates that such appeals would be directly submitted to the Supreme Court. In contrast, challenges to the DPP's decisions would initially be handled by an internal committee within the legal service.
Savvides, during his discussions with the House committee, outlined "serious reasons" why the suggested review mechanism warrants thorough reconsideration. He stressed the importance of establishing a strong and unquestionable system of oversight for the future. While acknowledging the government's intention to enhance accountability, the Attorney-General indicated that consensus has not yet been reached. "The issue must be resolved through the correct process and at the right level, so as to form a strong and unquestionable system of control for the future," Savvides reportedly stated.
The proposed division of responsibilities also extends to the appointment of deputies for both the new roles. This restructuring represents a substantial departure from Cyprus's established legal framework, seeking to clearly distinguish advisory functions from prosecutorial powers. The government's stated rationale for these reforms is to address criticisms regarding the concentration of power and to introduce more transparent checks and balances. However, the specific mechanism for Supreme Court intervention in the attorney-general’s decision-making process has become a central focus of debate among legal professionals.