Efforts are under way to find a compromise over changes to police working hours, as the issue fuels political tension, union protests and a heated debate in Parliament. Despite calls from MPs to suspend the decision, the Police Chief has made it clear that he has no intention of reversing course.
Parliamentary Appeal for Compromise
Members of the House Committee on Legal Affairs have issued a joint appeal to the Police Chief and police unions, urging both sides to seek a middle ground regarding the revised working hours introduced by the police leadership.
The move follows intense pressure from MPs, who asked for the suspension of the decision until broader consensus is achieved. However, Police Chief Themis Arnaoutis reiterated that the decision will not be withdrawn.
Calls for Dialogue
Committee chair Nikos Tornaritis proposed a joint meeting between the Police Chief and the police unions, describing it as a last effort to resolve the dispute and restore industrial peace within the ranks of the police force.
Police Chief’s Rationale
In his remarks to MPs, Mr Arnaoutis sought to explain the reasoning behind the changes, stating that the decision is based on measures approved in 2019. He noted that, while these decisions had remained unimplemented by his predecessors, he chose to proceed with their application.
Protest Outside Parliament
From as early as 9am, police officers gathered outside the House of Representatives, taking part in a protest organised by the Isotita union. Demonstrators voiced their opposition to the new working hour arrangements, underscoring the depth of discontent among police personnel as the debate continues.