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The passage of the bills on the Independent Authority against Corruption and transparency in public decision-making processes was welcomed by Justice and Public Order Minister Stefi Drakou, noting that they guarantee transparency.
In a written statement, Drakou said that on Thursday "an important step was taken that paves the way for the restoration of the credibility of the institutions and the political system".
Drakou notes that the foundations have been laid for the "first institutional shielding of the state and society against corruption phenomena, with a strong legislative framework."
In her statement, the Justice Minister describes the passage of the two bills in conjunction with the bill on the protection of whistleblowers that has already been passed as "a good start that makes us optimistic." In addition, she notes that with these bills transparency has been ensured.
"Our country is now included in the list of the few European countries that have acquired a modern and comprehensive legislative framework against corruption, which is in line with the requirements of the European Union and the Council of Europe", Drakou stresses.
In addition, she says that the bills are tools for preventing, identifying and dealing with corruption.
The Minister of Justice notes that the Independent Authority has all the necessary powers to successfully carry out its important work, is not subordinate to any other state agency and does not accept orders and instructions from any official. It has its own budget and determines its own needs, he adds.
He goes on to say that "an advisory council is being created consisting of a former judge of the Supreme Court, the President of the Cyprus Academy of Arts and Letters, the President of the Conference of Rectors, the President of the IDA and the President of the FCC. It shall draw up a list proposing 3 persons for each position, after informing and discussing with the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs."
The list, as explained in the statement, shall be submitted to the President of the Republic for the appointment of the Commissioner and the members of the Authority. Members cannot be removed except through the same procedure followed for the removal of Supreme Court judges.
Drakou stresses the ability of the Independent Authority "to examine and evaluate information from citizens about possible acts of corruption, now protected by the bill passed on 20/01."
The Authority will be able to request information from any person or agency, access documents and take testimony, it is noted. "Refusal or false provision of information to the Authority will be a criminal offence and will carry a prison sentence," the Justice Minister said.
She added that the third bill ensures transparency in decision-making processes in the public and wider public sector. In fact, it states that "public sector officials and public servants must inform the Authority of all meetings they have with persons wishing to be involved in the decision-making process, who will be registered in a register kept by the Authority for transparency purposes."
All three bills that constitute the legislative framework are the fruit of a collective effort and dialogue that took place in a climate of consensus and goodwill. "Parliament has lived up to its role by placing unity, responsibility and responsiveness to society above its differences," says Drakou.
In her statement, the Justice Minister thanked the Parliamentary Committees on Legal Affairs and Institutions, the Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General, the Pancyprian Bar Association and all stakeholders who contributed to the drafting of the bills.
Source: CNA
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