Pessimistic Assessment of Public Service Evaluations in Cyprus

The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Giorgos Papageorgiou, expressed concerns regarding the evaluation system in the Public Service. During a press conference on Monday, he stated that many Ministries and Services are violating the provisions of the new system.

The average score of civil servants in 2024 rose to 9.01/10, from 8.74 in 2023. Exceptions include the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the Department of Information Technology Services, and the Press and Information Office, where compliance with the evaluation system is observed.

Mr. Papageorgiou emphasized the need for General Managers and Department Directorates to take measures to address the phenomenon, as the training of evaluators did not yield the expected results.

In 2024, the PSC worked to implement the reform concerning the filling of senior positions, while a project for the creation of an examination center, funded by the European Commission, was completed.

During 2024, the PSC convened 221 times and examined 3,113 issues, filling 1014 positions (613 appointments, 401 promotions). It also received 840 candidates for oral examination.

A significant percentage of civil servants hold university degrees (approximately 70%). 64% of employees are women, while the majority of employees (67%) are aged 35-54.

Mr. Papageorgiou noted that the new legislation for filling senior positions emphasizes the skills of candidates, and evaluation through examination centers is a significant development.

Source: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY