The Supreme Court has declined to hear the Cyprus Police Association’s (CPA) challenge regarding new police reform, stating that the matter lies outside its jurisdiction.
- The Supreme Court has declined to hear the Cyprus Police Association's (CPA) challenge regarding new police reform, stating that the matter lies outside its jurisdiction.
On Friday, the CPA confirmed its request to the Supreme Court, urging a review of police chief Themistos Arnaoutis’ reform plans. The association aimed for a swift resolution by seeking writs of mandamus, certiorari, and prohibition, which could compel or annul decisions made by public authorities.
Angelos Nikolaou, president of the CPA, explained, “Instead of filing an appeal before the Administrative Court, we chose a procedure which, by its nature, is more time-consuming.” Despite their efforts, the court determined that these issues must be addressed by the Administrative Court, citing constitutional provisions.
The CPA’s request followed the announcement of a reform plan that has sparked significant backlash from within the police force. The proposed changes, which include adjustments to working hours, have been described by unions as a severe infringement on workers’ rights.
In December 2025, Arnaoutis unveiled his proposal to alter police working hours, prompting immediate dissent from the CPA and another union, Isotita. The unions argue that the reforms drastically reduce officers’ rest days and disrupt established working conditions. Isotita has claimed that the changes represent a “violent intensification of work” and threaten decades of progress in police labour rights.
In January 2026, Isotita escalated the situation by filing a request for annulment of the amendments through the Administrative Court, further intensifying tensions between the unions and police management.
During a protest outside parliament in late January, around 100 officers rallied against the reforms, holding banners that read “Respect those who protect you” and “No more cuts on the backs of police officers.” Nikos Loizides, head of Isotita’s police branch, voiced strong grievances about the reforms, stating, “They changed our pay scales, they cut our rest days. They altered our working conditions in a single day without consultation.”
In his defence, Arnaoutis maintained that the reforms were not a unilateral decision but rather an effort to modernise the police force, enhancing efficiency and adapting to contemporary demands. He pointed to previous approvals from the Council of Ministers and the House, asserting that the reduction in working hours from 40 to 37.5 was a long-requested change.
Despite the court’s ruling, the CPA remains committed to pursuing legal avenues, with Nikolaou confirming that the association is considering further actions, including potential appeals. “We will have a discussion with our members and see how to proceed,” he stated, reaffirming the CPA’s dedication to “safeguard and defend our rights.”
