The Ministry of Interior will carry out inspections of Turkish Cypriot properties in Paphos following complaints involving the municipality and the suspended Mayor of Paphos.
A Ministry team is expected to visit Paphos next week to review rental agreements for Turkish Cypriot properties, including leases linked to the Mayor. The checks are part of a wider campaign across Cyprus.
Elliсos Elias, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, told CYΠΕ that the Ministry is conducting sample checks on contracts to inform the Custodian of whether any actions fall outside regulations.
“The Ministry is making a major effort to rationalise the management of Turkish Cypriot properties,” he said.
Mr Elias said the ongoing investigation in Paphos is at an early stage. “It is not something that can be announced while the inquiry into the Mayor is ongoing,” he added.
He referred to previous interventions, noting work in the Mackenzie area where several problems, including very low rents, were resolved and leases reviewed.
“In that context, checks may be carried out in Paphos as well,” he said. He also recalled that a prior administrative investigation addressed the management of Turkish Cypriot properties.
According to sources, an administrative inquiry in Paphos took place in 2021–2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, following complaints. Recommendations were issued to the Mayor on how to handle leases as a committee member.
Mr Elias said the Custodian’s decision to rationalise management will see continued checks across all districts. “There are very many contracts, which are checked on a sample basis,” he said.
Regarding the municipal developments after the Mayor’s suspension, Mr Elias said normal operations have been restored. The only pending issue concerns a council member who must decide whether to continue in office or return to his profession. The Deputy District Officer of Paphos has sent a letter to the individual.
He noted that the Ministry treats all complaints seriously and acts in accordance with the law and regulations. “Collective bodies, whether municipal, community, or other councils, must respect laws and administrative principles,” he said.
The Ministry avoids commenting on details while police investigations are ongoing.