george savvides — Attorney-general George Savvides has been one of the most maligned state officials in Cyprus. For years, he has faced a barrage of criticism, primarily from the former auditor-general, who has painted him as complicit in corruption. This narrative, supported by certain journalists and politicians, has been difficult for Savvides to counter, given his commitment to maintaining the dignity of his position and refraining from public spats with critics.
In a recent appearance on the Tsouroullis Uncensored show, Savvides took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions surrounding his role and the state of corruption in Cyprus. He firmly stated that Cyprus is not the “most corrupt state in the world,” countering the persistent claims made by some critics. While acknowledging that corruption exists, he highlighted ongoing efforts to combat it, asserting that “measures are being taken to fight corruption and more can be taken.” He underscored that corruption is a global issue, referencing high-profile cases such as Bob Menendez in the US and Qatargate in the EU.
During the interview, Savvides pointed out that the narrative of rampant corruption often serves political interests. He accused some critics of gaining from perpetuating the belief that all institutions are failing, positioning themselves as the saviours ready to address the supposed crisis. This rhetoric, he argued, detracts from the genuine progress being made in tackling corruption.
Highlighting the complexities of the situation, Savvides referenced the EU’s Rule of Law report for 2025, which commended Cyprus for its strides in anti-corruption initiatives. He noted that significant work is being done to investigate high-level corruption cases, with a special team under his supervision actively pursuing new investigations. In 2024 alone, assets worth over €8 million were seized as part of these efforts, demonstrating tangible results in the fight against corruption. The report mentioned that five individuals were convicted in four corruption cases, while six more are under investigation this year.
This narrative of progress, however, often gets overlooked. Savvides pointed out that claims of no high-profile charges being made are misleading. He listed several prominent individuals currently facing legal action, including a commissioner sentenced to prison, two ex-ministers in court, and various others, including a mayor and a bishop. These developments contradict the narrative that suggests a lack of accountability for the powerful.
Misinterpretations of legal proceedings have further exacerbated the situation. For example, Savvides defended his decision to drop some charges against volunteerism commissioner Yiannakis Yiannaki, explaining that it was a strategic move to expedite the trial process. This action was mischaracterised by critics as unethical behaviour, ignoring the broader context of judicial efficiency. Legal proceedings, by nature, are complex and require thorough examination before charges can be brought forth, a fact that has been weaponised against him.
The AG’s office has also faced scrutiny following an investigation into former Edek leader Marinos Sizopoulos, who has been accused of fraud and forgery. Critics alleged that Savvides was protecting Sizopoulos by delaying charges, when in reality, the legal process necessitated comprehensive scrutiny of evidence before any action could be taken. Such accusations further illustrate the misinformation surrounding Savvides’s role and the complexities of corruption investigations.
In light of the ongoing campaign against him, Savvides’s recent appearance offered a rare chance to set the record straight. While acknowledging the existence of corruption within Cyprus, he firmly asserted that significant measures are being undertaken to address it and that he is not part of the problem. The narrative that suggests otherwise is a distortion of the reality he faces as attorney-general.
