Police investigations are ongoing into the case involving the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos.
Authorities are examining both the ex officio inquiry launched by the police and a second investigation prompted by a complaint from a local businessman, as well as allegations from a reported victim.
So far, 11 individuals linked to the case have given statements, including people from the alleged victim’s personal, work, and family environment.
Investigations continue intensively and under strict confidentiality to safeguard the process and protect the alleged victims.
The issue of the municipal secretary
Deputy Mayor and acting Mayor Angelos Onisiforou announced an emergency full council meeting of the Paphos Municipal Council on Monday at 12:00, to decide who will act as Municipal Secretary until the post is permanently filled.
Following this, the Service Plan and framework for filling the position will be discussed on Wednesday. According to sources, several senior officials have expressed interest, including Dr Christos Christou, Director of Health Services and Environment; Municipal Engineer Christos Konstantinidis; and Konstantinos Christoforou, Director of the Finance Department. Other municipal officials meeting the current Service Plan criteria may also be eligible.
The selected individual will serve as Acting Municipal Secretary in addition to their current duties until the post is officially advertised and filled.
Onisiforou noted that after the Ministry of Interior issued clear recommendations stating that Municipal Secretary Themis Filippidis must cease working and signing documents while on pre-retirement leave, he convened the emergency council session.
Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Elikkos Elias, confirmed the directive, noting that an employee in such a status is not permitted to perform duties. Onisiforou added that following discussions with Elias, the Municipality of Paphos will comply with the Ministry’s recommendations.
The Ministry explained that the Municipal Secretary post will need to be advertised and a temporary replacement appointed until a permanent appointment is made. Meanwhile, the Ministry continues to investigate the matter in due course.
It is noted that, in terms of years of administrative service, Dr Christos Christou, Director of Health Services in Paphos and former Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health for over five years, holds the longest tenure.