The outcome, positive or negative, on the issue of the incompatibility of officials with related and other professional activities, is expected in the Legal Committee of the Parliament, the MP of DIPA, Marinos Moussiuttas.
As he said after the end of the session, they examined the pros and cons in this legislation, as well as study what is done in other European and non-European countries. There are, he said, countries where there is complete incompatibility, countries where there is incompatibility between offices, i.e. one cannot be both an MP and a mayor, but there are also countries where "it is completely open or certain professions are allowed, such as being an MP and an academic at the same time, but not an MP and a doctor."
During the discussion, he added, it became clear that the existing law needs improvements as it has loopholes and "we are not touching the issue of changing the status that exists today. The change of status has been tabled as our proposal to the relevant Legal Affairs Committee, where we had made a request that it be discussed and that there be complete incompatibility between the office of MP and any profession."
There are pros and cons of this, he continued, saying that he expects the discussion and conclusion on the matter in the Legal Affairs Committee, positive or negative."
There are pros and cons of this, he continued, saying that he expects the discussion and conclusion on the matter in the Legal Affairs Committee, positive or negative.
He reiterated his position that an MP should only be engaged in his parliamentary duties and not have another profession or use his company or office name for any purpose if he chose to be an MP.
Moussioutta said that in Greece, Alexandros Lykourezos had challenged this legislation, went to the European Court of Justice and won. But, he said, there was a difference in the Lykourezos case, where reference was made to sitting MPs. 'When you are a sitting MP, he explained, the terms of your employment - service should not change.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source