Serious reactions and intense unrest have been caused in Polis Chrysochous by the allegations of the Deputy Mayor of Kritou Terra, Dervis Charalambous, regarding the hiring of relatives of Deputy Mayors in the Municipality.
Serious reactions and intense unrest have been caused in Polis Chrysochous by the allegations of the Deputy Mayor Kritou Terra, Dervis Charalambous, regarding the hiring of relatives of Deputy Mayors in the Municipality.
Mr. Charalambous sent a letter to the Minister of Interior and the Auditor General of the Republic of Cyprus, denouncing procedures that – as he claims – raise serious issues of legality and moral order. According to his statements, during the last meeting of the Municipal Council of Polis Chrysochous, a heated incident occurred, triggered by the hiring of four employees who are reportedly children of Deputy Mayors from municipal districts. The issue sparked intense debate within the chamber and led to serious objections about decision-making processes.
The Deputy Mayor Kritou Terra states that before sending his letter, he had urged the Municipality not to proceed with ratifying the minutes of that particular meeting. Nevertheless, on February 2nd, the Municipal Council of Polis Chrysochous proceeded with ratifying the minutes concerning the permanent employment of hourly workers, while also denouncing the participation of relatives in the plenary vote.
Mr. Charalambous speaks of “serious criminal offenses” and mentions that he filed a complaint considering it his duty to inform the competent Authorities, as – according to him – these same individuals ratified decisions he deems illegal.
On his part, the Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Yiotis Papachristofi, rejects allegations of illegality and “favoritism,” asserting that all decisions were made according to prescribed procedures and existing legal framework.
He states that hires and permanencies were made following Municipal Council decisions and according to legislation, emphasizing that there was no conflict of interest or breach of transparency. Additionally, he declares that the Municipality is at the disposal of competent Authorities and has no objection to any necessary inspection.
