CYPRUS
The Cypriot Government is making a second attempt at reform of the country’s Public Service with the introduction of three Bills into Parliament.
Minister for Finance, Constantinos Petrides (pictured) said the legislation would “aspire to create a new culture and a more efficient organisation”.
The previous attempt at reform was rejected by Parliament in 2016.
“Following intense consultations with parties and the unions, we have submitted the Bills whose implementation I believe would ensure first of all a more efficient Civil Service, one where the most capable members will rise to positions of responsibility and the potential of nepotism in promotions will be restricted,” Mr Petrides said.
The Minister said there was no ideal system anywhere in the world, but said, “With the good practices and in spite of the problems and resistance we met, we think we have delivered to Parliament Bills that in time … will create a new culture and a more efficient Civil Service”.
The legislation introduces a new evaluation system for Public Servants who will be graded between one and 10, instead of the current system where the majority are deemed ‘exceptional’.
It also provides for examinations for those going for promotions, which will be contested by candidates across Departments, something unions oppose.
“We believe this will afford a much better prospect of advancement to many existing able members but also a more efficient middle-management,” Mr Petrides said.
The powerful Pasydy union said it disagreed with inter-Departmental promotions, a representative saying more consultations were needed.
Nicosia, 5 February 2020
