Justice Minister Costas Fytiris says trade unions have the right to express positions, recommendations and disagreements, but cannot determine the operation and decision-making of the security forces.
In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Fytiris also discussed plans for the construction of new Central Prisons, the implementation of the NESTOR emergency response plan for major road incidents, measures to combat organised crime and the progress of judicial reform.
Unions have a voice, but not the final say
Fytiris stressed that trade unionism is a protected right and one fully respected by the ministry.
“Trade unionism is a protected right and the ministry fully respects that right.”
He described institutional dialogue with security-force unions as both useful and necessary, particularly on issues affecting working conditions, staff welfare and safety.
However, he drew a distinction between consultation and decision-making.
“Trade unions represent employees and have every right to express positions, recommendations and disagreements. However, the administration of the security forces, their operational functioning and decision-making belong to the competent institutional bodies, which are also accountable for those decisions.”
He added that consultation should be meaningful and conducted in good faith, but that once decisions are legally taken, “they must be implemented.”
Plans advancing for new Central Prisons
Turning to the prison system, Fytiris underlined the need for a new correctional facility.
“The current prisons were built around 135 years ago for a completely different number of inmates and a completely different correctional philosophy.”
He said the objective is not simply to increase capacity but to modernise the entire correctional system.
That includes improved prisoner classification, expanded education, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, as well as greater emphasis on addiction treatment and preparing inmates for their return to society.
Alternative forms of serving sentences are also being examined, including open prisons and electronic monitoring for inmates who meet the required criteria.
On the location of the new facility, Fytiris said Mathiatis remains the government's preferred option despite objections from local residents.
Substantial preparatory work has already been carried out and a detailed plan will be presented to affected communities before final decisions are made.
Alternative locations are also under consideration, including Agios Sozomenos.
However, the minister said it would be premature either to rule out Mathiatis or to conclude that another site will ultimately be selected.
“Our objective is to make the best possible decision based on objective criteria, so that the project proceeds properly and without further unjustified delays.”
NESTOR plan targets major traffic incidents
Referring to the lengthy traffic disruption caused by the overturning of a heavy vehicle on the Limassol-Nicosia motorway a few days ago, Fytiris acknowledged shortcomings in coordination among the relevant services.
The incident prompted the development of the new NESTOR plan, which defines the operational responsibilities of all involved agencies, establishes response-time requirements and includes preparedness exercises.
“In a serious road incident, it is not enough for each service to perform its own role correctly. There must be unified coordination from the outset, clear responsibilities and simultaneous mobilisation of all necessary resources.”
A national exercise involving all participating agencies is scheduled to take place during August.
New focus on organised crime
Fytiris also discussed reforms aimed at tackling organised crime, highlighting the creation of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE), described as Cyprus' “FBI”.
He said that addressing criminal networks requires more than isolated investigations and arrests.
The new structure brings together operational, financial, analytical and digital expertise, allowing authorities to investigate criminal organisations as integrated networks.
Priority areas include:
- Drug trafficking.
- Money laundering.
- The use of corporate structures to conceal criminal proceeds.
- International cooperation with Europol and Eurojust.
Measuring the success of judicial reform
On judicial reform, the minister acknowledged that court delays remain one of Cyprus' most persistent institutional problems despite progress already achieved.
He pointed to reforms including:
- Legislation relating to the Court of Appeal.
- Digitalisation of case management.
- Programmes aimed at clearing older cases.
Fytiris said success would not be measured by legislation alone.
“It will be judged by how much hearing times are reduced, how many old cases are completed, whether adjournments decrease and how quickly citizens receive final decisions.”
He concluded that meaningful improvement will require not only legislative changes but also more judges, legal officers, administrative staff, technology and a modern court administration system.
