'Mafia state' report: Christodoulides expresses concern – procedure impartial
Government spokesman Letymbiotis conveyed the President's concern regarding the Anti-Corruption Authority's report, which concerns 13 natural persons.
Presidential concern over 'mafia state' report – procedure impartial
The concern of the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, regarding the report of the Anti-Corruption Authority was conveyed by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, according to Politis. Speaking on state television, he emphasised the need for a thorough investigation of the matters recorded and ensuring the impartiality of the procedure.
The report, according to available information, exceeds 3,000 pages. Mr Letymbiotis noted that the seriousness of the allegations, as well as the persons mentioned, require the procedure that will be followed to be "fully safeguarded".
"I have referred to the need for the procedure that will be followed to be impartial and to appear impartial," he stated, adding that the persons referred to in the report "warrant and require this procedure to be even more safeguarded".
Thirteen natural persons – among them Anastasiades
The report identifies potential offences for thirteen natural and two legal persons. Among the persons mentioned is the former President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades.
The Government Spokesman stressed that the Executive is awaiting the next steps of the Legal Service, to which the report will be handed over in accordance with the current procedure. At the same time, he clarified that the Government cannot give instructions to independent institutions.
"The Executive cannot in this case, or in any other case, give instructions or call upon the Legal Service or any other independent authority to act or not to act in any way. This would be a breach of the separation of powers," he remarked characteristically.
The appointment of investigating magistrates and the recusal of the Attorney General
When asked whether the Government could act on its own to appoint independent criminal investigating magistrates, Mr Letymbiotis replied that the Legal Service must first take a position on the matter institutionally. Depending on the decisions that will be taken, the Government will evaluate whether it needs to act within its constitutional powers.
Regarding public statements calling for the recusal of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General from the procedure – due to their previous ministerial status during Anastasiades' administration – the Government Spokesman avoided prejudging decisions. He reminded, however, that the former President himself has advocated for their self-recusal.
"We should await with respect the positions and decisions of the Legal Service and on the basis of those decisions all the procedures that should be implemented will be set in motion, with the overriding and sole objective of fully investigating all that is mentioned," he stated.
Did the report surprise President Christodoulides?
When asked whether the scope of the report surprised President Christodoulides – given that he held positions of responsibility during Anastasiades' administration – Mr Letymbiotis replied that no one can downplay the findings of the report, which concern persons and institutions across the board.
"Obviously everyone was troubled by reading this report. The President of the Republic was as well," he said, noting at the same time that "it is noteworthy that there has been no reference to the President of the Republic himself so far and nor will there ever be".
When asked whether – if the findings are verified – this constitutes an isolated phenomenon or more widespread corruption, the Government Spokesman noted that this is one of the key issues that should occupy public debate, stressing however that conclusions should be drawn through institutional procedures.
Reforms and investigating powers
Mr Letymbiotis referred to the discussion that has been opened about whether the Anti-Corruption Authority should acquire investigating powers, characterising the matter as something that should be evaluated by the competent authorities. He also recalled that a proposal has already been promoted in Parliament for the separation of the powers of the Public Prosecutor from the Attorney General.
In conclusion, the Government Spokesman assured that the present administration does not tolerate phenomena that deviate from legal procedures.
"In no case does the Executive, the present administration under President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides, permit, tolerate, or indeed participate or take part in any phenomena that deviate from legal procedures," he concluded.
Source: Politis