Personal guards of politicians are being reduced to police Old town of Nicosia

Defence Redefined

Published on 03/12/2020 at 12:55

The number of the personal guards of political leaders and former officials is being reduced by 21 policemen, by the Cabinet’s decision, following a suggestion of the Minister of Justice and Public Order Emily Yiolitis.

In statements after the meeting, Ms. Yiolitis said that it has been decided to reduce the number of personal guards of political leaders and former state officials from 56 to 35. 

The decision was made, she explained, following an assessment by the Police Risk Assessment Committee, which concluded that political leaders and former officials have an excessive number of police officers to guard and escort them in relation to the danger they run. 

“By this decision, 21 police officers will be removed, who will be assigned, for the time being, to the Police House in the old town of Nicosia”, said Ms. Yiolitis, adding that the procedures for finding the place where the Police House in Nicosia will be housed are underway, as was the case in Limassol, in Anexartisias Street. 

Our intention, she continued, is for the citizens to feel and be safe, which is why the members of the Police will have a noticeable presence in Ledras Street, in Eleftherias Square and in the wider area.

Regarding the broader issue of the presidential guard, the Minister said that the intention and decision, at this time, was the risk assessment and, if possible, to reduce the number of guards, as was done for political leaders and former officials. “If and when the Police Risk Assessment Committee deems that the number is either unsatisfactory or excessive, we will make the appropriate corrections,” she said.

The Minister also clarified that in terms of the presidential guard, the number of police / guards of the presidents of the Republic has always been about the same. “The police officers of each president of the Republic, in addition to the security of the President of the Republic, are in charge of the 24-hour security of the Presidential Palace, the presidential residence in Troodos and the residence of the current President,” she said. Nonetheless, the Minister did not rule out that the numbers of the Presidential Guard should be re-evaluated, if deemed necessary by the Police Risk Assessment Committee.

Ms. Yiolitis finally stated that in the context of more efficient use, savings and better evaluation and efficiency of the Police, requests for part-time work in other professions by police officers will no longer be accepted, except in exceptional cases. 

“Times are difficult because of the pandemic, which has also brought unemployment to many of our fellow citizens. Due to the understaffing problem faced by the Force, police officers who may wish to supplement their income will be able to work for the Force overtime and not in other professions”, said the Minister, noting that a bill is already being promoted, so that the Minister of Labor approves such cases more generally and not only for the Police.

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