The Minister of Justice, Costas Fytiris, publicly backed the Police Chief’s decision to change the working hours for over 1,000 police officers on Thursday. This support came amid the unions’ insistence on overturning the decision and warnings by the Minister of impending disciplinary measures.
Following separate meetings with the leadership of the two police unions, the Cyprus Police Association (SAK) and ISOTITA, Minister Fytiris signaled the outcome of his discussions with the unionists.
Speaking to reporters, he focused on the manner in which disagreements were expressed, stating the union’s actions exceeded the appropriate framework. He warned that the government would take disciplinary action, obviously referring to Nicos Loizides, President of the Police Corps Branch of ISOTITA. Loizides had made intense remarks during televised appearances shortly after the Police Chief announced the new shifts at a press conference last Tuesday.
Fytiris clarified the stance he took with the ISOTITA delegation, stating: “Whoever exceeds [the boundaries] must be ready for the consequences.” Responding to a journalist’s question, he clarified that the shift change was not a “political decision,” adding, “It would be a pity if every directive from the Police Chief was met this way.”
The Minister’s initial statement to reporters emphasised several key points: “Following the public statements by the ISOTITA union and SAK, I deemed it appropriate to meet with the unions today to remind them how democracy, laws, and regulations operate. Trade unionism is the right of any organisation, but it must not cross boundaries or deviate from regulations approved within a democratic framework. The Police Chief issued an order based on his jurisdiction, which must be executed and is being executed—and that is important. Equally important is discipline. A disciplined person is someone who, even when disagreeing, executes the order given by their superior without argument. This is happening and must continue to happen. Those who have a grievance have procedures to report that grievance through the prescribed process, have it examined, and if unsatisfied, they can even seek legal recourse. But under no circumstances should society be led to believe that demands will be met or the necessary hierarchy in a security force like the Police will be annulled through public pressures, public confrontations, or the use of mass media. I reminded them of these points, as well as the fact that I undertook the Ministry of Justice with the goal of continuing the work of my predecessors, prioritising the smooth operation of the Police and Central Prisons. We must all be aligned, on the same path, to deliver what society demands. Society demands security against organised crime, against all illegalities. This can only happen through collective effort and discipline, as is required in the Police and Central Prisons. This is the message I am sending, and anyone who deviates from these rules must be prepared to accept the consequences.”
Loizides speaks out
Earlier, just before 15:00, Nicos Loizides spoke to reporters outside the Ministry of Justice building, beginning his statement by referencing his controversial televised appearance.
He explained that his intense reaction was a response to the comments made by Police Chief Themistos Arnoutis during the earlier press conference, which Loizides claimed were insulting to police officers.
The head of the ISOTITA police branch reiterated that the measures announced by his union body would be implemented and would “cause surprise,” meaning the protests will not go unnoticed.
SAK remains defiant
The President of the Cyprus Police Association (SAK), Angelos Nicolaou, who met with the Minister earlier, maintained a consistent stance when speaking to the media upon his departure. He confirmed SAK’s compliance with the new schedule but indicated they would exhaust all union options to suspend the Police leadership’s decision.
It was also reported yesterday that the DISY party has registered the matter for discussion in the parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee.