Under new bill ex-presidents would lose some life-long perks

Former presidents of the Republic and former presidents of the House of Representatives stand to lose some lifelong perks – like the limo and a driver – if a bill tabled by MP Alexandra Attalidou gets enacted into law.

Under the law, the perks of these state officials are ‘locked in’ after 30 months of service, and they are for life. These officials are entitled to a state limo with a driver/police officer (plus the fuel and maintenance expenses for the vehicle) as well as having a personal assistant (PA) on a salary of approximately €3,000 a month – all on the taxpayer’s dime.

And according to daily Politis, who broke the story, the PA’s salary is currently paid not to the PA directly, but rather to a former president, who then disburses the moneys to the PA.

Under Attalidou’s bill, both these perks would apply only for the first five years after these state officials have left office.

Concerning the hiring of the PA, the bill intends to lower their salary to a far lower civil service pay scale. In addition, payment of the PA’s salary would be made directly to the PA.

Moreover, in the event that these state officials request a guard or extra security, it would not be granted by merely requesting this from the justice minister, as is the case now. Rather, it would require a decision by the cabinet. And should the cabinet say yes, it would also need to define for how long this extra security would be provided. Further, parliament should be informed of any such decision.

The perks in question have been in effect since March 1988 when the relevant law was passed. Likewise entitled to these benefits are the vice-president of the Republic and the vice-president of the House; however that is only on paper, as these positions – meant for members of the Turkish Cypriot community – are vacated.

Those currently enjoying these perks are former presidents Nicos Anastasiades and George Vasiliou, as well as former House presidents Yiannakis Omirou, Marios Garoyian and Demetris Syllouris.