The golden passports scandal may have formally closed, yet its institutional aftermath lingers. Current revocation procedures show that the Republic of Cyprus has not fully corrected its course.
Legal expert Antonis Georgiou argues that citizenship revocation without judicial oversight violates both the Constitution and the rule of law, and that Cyprus must rebuild transparency and judicial accountability if it wants to regain international credibility.
“When citizenship decisions escape judicial review, democracy itself begins to erode.”
“Citizenship is not a commodity”
Q: Mr. Georgiou, how do you assess the constitutionality of the “golden passports” affair?
A: The issue is profoundly constitutional. The Republic of Cyprus is founded on the rule of law and the separation of powers. Citizenship is a core legal and political right — not a tradable product. The scandal revealed how the state’s integrity can be compromised when economic gain overtakes legal principle.
“Public interest cannot justify arbitrariness”
Q: The program was cancelled in 2020. Are the problems resolved?
A: Not really. The new revocation framework still lacks transparency and judicial oversight. Depriving citizenship by administrative order violates Articles 12 and 30 of the Constitution and undermines the presumption of innocence.
“The supreme public interest is the rule of law itself”
Q: Can public interest justify such measures?
A: Only when accompanied by judicial guarantees. The highest public interest is the protection of constitutional order. Political convenience can never replace due process.
“Naturalization is not an act of grace by the executive. It is a constitutional responsibility.”
“Cyprus risks importing political persecution”
Q: What dangers arise under the current system?
A: Article 113(3)(e) allows deprivation of citizenship even for wanted persons without conviction. This breaches the presumption of innocence. Moreover, some states misuse international warrants for political reasons. Cyprus must not become complicit in such abuses.
'Creating second-class citizens undermines democracy'
Q: What are the social consequences?
A: A divided citizenship: natural-born Cypriots versus naturalized ones. The latter live under constant fear. That weakens social cohesion and damages democratic legitimacy.
'Trust is rebuilt through justice, not public relations'
Q: How can trust be restored?
A: Through transparency, judicial supervision, and accountability. Every decision should be reasoned and reviewable. Cyprus must show that no authority stands above the law.
'Legal uncertainty also hurts the economy'
Q: Is there also an economic dimension?
A: Absolutely. Arbitrary legal practices deter investors and stain Cyprus’s reputation as a reliable jurisdiction. Economic recovery depends on legal predictability.
'Reform must begin with law and conscience'
Q: What are the main reform pillars?
A:
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Judicial oversight for all naturalizations and revocations.
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Objective criteria and reasoned decisions.
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Right to hearing and appeal.
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Transparency in all procedures.
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Accountability for past abuses.
“Cyprus must prove it has learned from its mistakes. Only then can trust - domestic and international - be restored.”