Suspended Paphos Mayor Denounces 'Coordinated Campaign' Amid Investigations

The suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, has commented on the investigations into the municipality, labeling the allegations as an 'organized smear campaign.'

According to him, the Paphos Municipality remains the only one in Cyprus whose financial statements have been audited up to 2024 and submitted to the Auditor General. Phedonos stated that transparency and proper management are the foundations of the municipality's work.

The investigation concerns possible financial and administrative irregularities, including illegal hiring, the potential misuse of approximately €1.5 million from the municipal employees' pension fund, and the management of Turkish Cypriot properties. Inspections are being conducted by the Paphos CID and central services in Nicosia.

Additionally, separate criminal investigations continue into other allegations that formed the basis for his temporary suspension. The Administrative Court has confirmed the legality of this decision.

Acting Mayor Angelos Onisiforou has instructed municipal department heads to cooperate fully with auditors and the police. Phedonos denies all charges. A decision on whether to file criminal charges has not yet been made.