The Ministry of Tourism has initiated an investigation into its Director General, Neophytos Papadopoulos, following direct instructions from Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis. The development has prompted a high-profile legal counter-attack that could challenge the constitutional legitimacy of the entire deputy ministry structure in Cyprus.
In addition to the ongoing probe, Costas Koumis has already set procedures in motion to place the Director General on administrative suspension. This request is currently under formal review by the Public Service Commission.
In response to the investigation, prominent defense attorney Chris Triantafyllides announced plans to mount a comprehensive legal challenge. Taking to social media, Triantafyllides indicated that he will raise the issue of unconstitutionality regarding the very establishment of deputy ministries, subsequently seeking the annulment of decisions taken by deputy ministers.
O Υφυπουργός Τουρισμού πολυ πιθανό να αποτελέσει την ευκαιρία που πολλοι αναμεναν το Δικαστηριο να αποφανθεί περι της αντισυνταγματικότητας της δημιουργίας των Υφυπουργειων και κατ επέκταση του διορισμού Υφυπουργων.
— Christos Triantafyllides (@TriantaCY) June 8, 2026
Παλαιότερα είχα εκφράσει την αποψη οτι η δημιουργία Υφυπουργειων…
This case surfaces amidst broader legal sensitivities surrounding the status of these portfolios. The Legal Service has consistently avoided letting criminal cases filed by the Ministry of Tourism against establishment owners for operating without licenses or violating operating hours reach a final judicial ruling.
Whenever defense teams raise a constitutional objection regarding the legal status of deputy ministries during court proceedings, the Legal Service steps in to suspend criminal prosecution. This practice effectively clears defendants of their charges while preventing the Supreme Constitutional Court from issuing a definitive, irreversible ruling on whether the creation of deputy ministries aligns with the constitution.
