19/09/2024 09:15
Acting President of the Republic Annita Demetriou signed on Wednesday the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court to dismiss Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides.
CNA has learnt that the Presidency of the Republic contacted the President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, who serves as Acting President of the Republic since President Nikos Christodoulides is currently in Greece.
Demetriou, as Acting President, duly signed the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss the Auditor General.
The Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus ruled on Wednesday that Auditor General of the Republic, Odysseas Michaelides, should be dismissed from his position.
The ruling of the Court, which convened as a Council, was unanimous.
The eight judges of the Supreme Constitutional Court, ruled that the Auditor General, based on all testimonies, "has crossed the line and exhibited behaviour which fell short of expectations, which renders him incompetent".
"We find him liable for inappropriate conduct," the judges ruled.
The decision to dismiss the Auditor General is binding for the President of the Republic.
In statements outside the Court afterwards, Michaelides said that the decision is a setback for freedom of expression and society's demand to fight corruption.
Today is a dark day for Cyprus, he said, adding that there had been a 'concerted attempt' to remove him as he fought the system.
He said he would continue the fight against corruption and would discuss his next steps with his legal advisers.