Paphos: Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, and Mayor of Lefkonoiko, Pieris Gipsiotis, have been placed on mandatory leave pending the outcome of criminal investigations. The leave took effect on Thursday upon publication in the official gazette, in line with Article 113 of the municipalities law which is implemented when elected officials face charges carrying a potential prison sentence of more than three years.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the publication, signed by the Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, states that the two Mayors are automatically placed on leave, in accordance with Article 113(1) of the Municipalities Law (Law No. 52(I)/2022), as an offence, as defined by the said article, is being investigated against them by the prosecuting authorities.
It is further noted that a mayor who is placed on leave pursuant to the provisions of Article 113(1) of the Municipalities Law receives one third of the prescribed remuneration for the entire duration of the suspension.
As stated, the suspension is terminated upon the conclusion of the investigation or the full adjudication of the case and the discharge, acquittal, or conviction of the mayor against whom an investigation is being conducted or a criminal case has been filed. For this purpose, a relevant notification regarding the termination of the suspension is published by the Minister of Interior.
It is also noted that in the event a mayor is discharged or acquitted by a criminal court, or if the investigation against him is terminated without charges being substantiated, he returns to his duties for the remainder of his term of office and is entitled to full recovery of the remuneration that had been withheld.