Reactions to Forest Department Transfer to Interior Ministry

The Cabinet's decision to transfer forest protection activities of the Forest Department from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Interior has sparked strong reactions. The Director of the Department, Savvas Iezekiil, publicly expressed his concern during a meeting of Parliamentary Committees.

Mr. Iezekiil stated that he was informed of the decision without prior notice or dialogue. He emphasized that no study had been conducted on the impact of the transfer on fire management. He pointed out that the structure of the Forest Department is unified and any detachment of personnel jeopardizes the effectiveness of the forest protection system.

"Everyone participates in the fire protection system, from the director to the last worker. No one is dispensable," Mr. Iezekiil stressed, rejecting the division of the Department. He did not rule out cooperation with other services under a common umbrella, provided that the Forest Department is not fragmented.

Mr. Iezekiil concluded by saying: "146 years of experience and knowledge end with one decision."