The cabinet is due to approve reform of the state audit office following extensive dialogue, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday.

Speaking after receiving the annual report of the audit office for 2023 at the Presidential Palace from auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou, he added that the government would do everything to further strengthen the role of the service.

The president emphasised that strengthening the rule of law and accountability is an essential priority for the government, and as part of its broader policy, the government has already demonstrated significant actions to combat corruption.

“And it is for this reason that we have proceeded with many actions – not just words – with the arrival of foreign experts to assist,” he said.

During a recent meeting, the experts presented a preliminary evaluation, which was particularly important and which we have proposed making changes, as the overwhelming majority of the observations were apt, he added.

The president also referred to efforts to rebrand Cyprus, pointing out that the executive branch views the audit office as a partner and ally in this major effort to establish the rule of law, accountability, and combat corruption. “No one is exempt from scrutiny,” Christodoulides said.

“It is within this framework that our intention for the modernisation of the audit office is publicly known. Any efforts being made for the reform of the audit office, as well as other independent and non-governmental institutions, are aimed at strengthening their effectiveness and ensuring they respond to today’s realities,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the substantive discussion and exchange of views on the matter, adding that the cabinet would soon approve the proposals arising from the dialogue.

He also committed to reviewing the 2023 report submitted to him.

Papaconstantinou said the report includes the audit of the state’s accounts for 2023, the audit of public finances for 2023, and the record of special reports issued during 2024.

“Essentially, it is the work done by the audit office. We will continue in 2025, we aim to issue more special reports in 2025, shorter and more targeted, to highlight issues that the executive branch will manage according to its judgment,” he said.

He also addressed the issue of the financial independence of the service and assured the president it is working “at full speed.”

The proposed reforms to the audit office focus on transitioning from a single-person model to a multi-person model, with the establishment of an audit council. This multi-member structure aims to align Cyprus with 14 other EU countries.

Members of the audit board will have fixed-term limits, bringing Cyprus into line with 22 EU member states. The reforms also include ensuring uninterrupted access to data for the audit office and strengthening cooperation between it and the legal service.

The bill to enhance the independence and effectiveness of the audit office is undergoing technical and legal reviews before being submitted to parliament.

It has been reported that the auditor-general has commissioned technocrats to identify both the advantages and disadvantages of the single-person and multi-person models.