Debate over the Audit Office's budget has brought internal tensions within the institution into the spotlight, raising broader questions about governance and the division of responsibilities at the organisation's leadership level.
The issue emerged during parliamentary discussions on the Audit Office budget when former Auditor General and current MP Odysseas Michaelides questioned the need for a director's post while, in his words, the Assistant Auditor General appeared to have no duties assigned.
Comments by Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou added to the controversy.
"He participates in the management team and efforts are being made to utilise him. I won't say anything more. He certainly should be working, but let's leave it there," Papaconstantinou said.
His remarks were widely interpreted as indicating difficulties in his working relationship with Assistant Auditor General Kyriakos Kyriakou.
Kyriakou rejects claims
Kyriakou responded in a written statement, insisting that he carries out all duties assigned to him and has repeatedly requested additional responsibilities.
"Any claim or insinuation that I do not wish to work or that I am responsible for my limited utilisation is entirely unfounded."
He said he had initially made verbal requests and later submitted written requests seeking more substantial responsibilities.
Kyriakou also revealed that he wrote to Papaconstantinou on 24 November 2025, arguing that, under the Constitution, the Assistant Auditor General should play a meaningful role in the work of the Audit Office and requesting a clear definition of his responsibilities.
Constitutional argument
In his letter, Kyriakou referred to Article 116 of the Constitution, arguing that the constitutional requirement for the Assistant Auditor General to assist the Auditor General implies a corresponding obligation to define the duties the office-holder should perform.
The letter concluded with a call for a clear determination of his responsibilities in accordance with constitutional provisions.
According to Kyriakou, nearly a year later he has still not received a response.
Auditor General declines comment
When contacted by Politis to comment on Kyriakou's claims regarding his duties, Papaconstantinou declined to make any further statement.
Need for a resolution
With Kyriakou due to remain in office until 2029, the article argues that a workable arrangement between the two officials is necessary, along with a clear delineation of responsibilities based on constitutional requirements.
Without such a resolution, the dispute risks deepening and creating a wider institutional problem within the Audit Office.
