Cyprus: Discussion on Voluntary Waiver of Profession for Officials Concluded

The discussion on the bill regarding the voluntary waiver of the practice of profession by members of parliament and other officials has been completed in the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions. MP of DI.PA, Marinos Mousiouttas, expressed hope that the proposal will be put to a vote in the Plenary Session of the Parliament before the summer recess.

The bill stipulates that each MP or official may voluntarily waive the practice of any other profession during their term. Mr. Mousiouttas recalled that a similar proposal had been submitted in the past, but it did not proceed due to the need for a constitutional amendment and a reinforced majority.

According to the proposal, officials must declare within 15 days whether they wish to waive their profession. If they do not complete the form, the response will be sent to the Minister of Finance and Parliament.

The Legal Service deemed the proposal constitutionally correct, although opposing views were also expressed. Mr. Mousiouttas stressed that the proposal aims at transparency and enhancing the prestige of officials.