Audit Office probing former minister’s perks
The Audit Office confirmed on Monday that it is looking into claims that a former justice minister continues to have police guards assigned to him, in contravention of the rules.
Contacted by the Cyprus Mail, auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said they are investigating the matter.
The story was reported by media outlet Reporter. It said that Marios Hartsiotis – formerly the justice minister – has been assigned police officers to escort him.
In his current role as Presidential Commissioner, he is not entitled to that. In addition, Reporter said, individuals who formerly served as justice ministers are likewise not entitled.
Papaconstantinou told us that the regulations do not provide for police escort for commissioners.
He added that the Audit Office does not know for a fact if Hartsiotis is receiving this privilege at the moment.
“We’re looking into it. We’ve posed questions to the Office of the Presidency, and we’re waiting for their answers.”
The complaint about Hartsiotis was filed to the Audit Office by a member of the public.
According to Reporter, the matter had come up earlier, when Hartsiotis was removed from his position as justice minister during the cabinet reshuffle taking place in early December 2025.
The same outlet said that at the time, police sources told them that the guards assigned to Hartsiotis, now as Presidential Commissioner, were for “precautionary reasons”.
Another matter concerns Hartsiotis’ ongoing use of a service vehicle for his work-related transit.
Unlike ministers, commissioners are not entitled to this perk.