The reform of the institution of the Attorney General, through the separation of its dual role, was the central theme of the Annual Conference of the Law Office Academy in Nicosia.
President Nikos Christodoulides, House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, Attorney General George Savvides, and European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath addressed the event, held under the theme: “Historical Evolution, Prospects and Challenges for the Institution of the Attorney General of the Republic”, as Cyprus pushes forward with its plans to modernise one of its most powerful constitutional offices.
International standards
President Nikos Christodoulides underlined the urgent need to modernise the institution of the Attorney General by separating its current dual role. He said the proposed reform responds to a clear public demand for greater independence, transparency, and the prevention of potential conflicts of interest.
“The separation of this dual role is necessary both as a measure of modernisation and in response to society’s call for independence, full transparency, and the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest or responsibilities,” the President stated.
Under the proposed reform, the Attorney General would remain the state’s legal adviser and head of the Law Office, while criminal prosecution powers would be transferred to a newly established Office of the Prosecutor General.
The President noted that this model aligns with recommendations from the Venice Commission, the European Commission’s Rule of Law reports, and GRECO, bringing Cyprus closer to European and international standards.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by the Attorney General regarding the constitutionality of the reform, Christodoulides stressed that these views are respected and will be addressed through dialogue.
EU strongly supports reform
In a recorded message to the conference, European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath expressed strong support for the proposed separation of roles, describing it as a crucial step towards enhancing both judicial independence and accountability in Cyprus.
“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the institution’s independence and accountability, and to align it more closely with modern rule of law principles,” McGrath said.
He noted that the creation of an independent Office of the Prosecutor General would strengthen the fight against corruption, reinforce democratic checks and balances, and improve the business environment.
McGrath also outlined broader EU efforts to modernise justice systems, including a new judicial training strategy focused on digital skills and the use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and resilience.
Referring to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), he described it as “absolutely essential” for protecting the EU budget and taxpayers’ money, announcing that the Commission will publish an evaluation report in June 2026, followed by a proposal to revise its founding regulation.
Strengthening accountability
House President Annita Demetriou emphasised that the proposed reform does not aim to undermine the institution of the Attorney General, but rather to reinforce its independence, accountability, and effectiveness for the benefit of the Republic.
She stressed that the Law Office of the Republic is not a distant or inaccessible institution, but one “deeply connected to our daily lives, the essence of the rule of law, and the functioning of the Republic - ultimately contributing to the pursuit of a better life for all citizens.”
Demetriou recalled the Office’s role in navigating political instability and complex constitutional issues in the past, and said it must now rise to meet modern demands for transparency and effectiveness.
Legislative measures needed
Speaking at the conference, Attorney General George Savvides called on Parliament to adopt legislative measures to defend the constitutional order and counter the deliberate undermining of public institutions.
He warned that criticism of institutions - especially when fuelled by misinformation or incomplete legal knowledge on social media - can erode public trust and damage democracy. While freedom of expression is protected, he said, it should not serve as a cover for attempts to destabilise democratic institutions.
Addressing the proposed reform directly, Savvides reiterated his serious reservations about the constitutionality of separating the Attorney General’s responsibilities, particularly the creation of a separate Prosecutor General’s Office. He noted that while the reform draws on recommendations from international bodies such as GRECO and the European Commission, the government prepared the draft legislation without prior consultation with the Law Office.
Nevertheless, Savvides reaffirmed his Office’s strong commitment to combating corruption, calling it “a continuous and evolving challenge.” He highlighted the establishment of a dedicated Task Force in 2022, which coordinates agencies dealing with corruption cases, and noted positive recognition from the 2025 European Commission Rule of Law Report regarding Cyprus’ progress in this area.