Auditor General Flags Transparency Issues in Digital Citizen Project

The Auditor General's Office has identified transparency issues in the direct award of the "Digital Citizen" project, expressing concerns regarding adherence to the principles of transparency and equal treatment. The Office questions whether the process ensured healthy competition.

According to the Auditor General, the best practice would have been a joint award of the project by Cyprus and Greece from the outset, before Greece proceeded with a separate tender for the "gov.gr wallet". Concerns are raised that such intergovernmental agreements may be used to circumvent procedures for public contracts.

The legality of the process was questioned, with the Legal Service issuing an opinion three days before the signing of the contract, creating the impression that the implementation path was predetermined. Evidence indicates that work on the "Digital Citizen" had started before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

The project cost amounts to €1.7 million, without a cost estimate or detailed costing at the time of signing the contract. The Auditor General also points out legal concerns and ambiguities in the contract, as well as issues regarding the hosting location of the application.

The final cost is expected to exceed €1.5 million due to additional expenses. The Auditor General expresses concerns regarding the future development of the project and the potential dependence on specific subcontractors.