The ongoing discussion in the House interior committee focuses on a motion to repeal the law that permitted the controversial ‘golden passports’ scheme in Cyprus. This legislation allowed for the granting of Cypriot passports to foreign investors, a practice that drew significant criticism and scrutiny over the years.
Although the golden passports scheme was officially scrapped in 2020 following intense media pressure, the underlying statute has remained in place. If the current motion receives parliamentary approval, any future citizenship-through-investment initiatives would require a new law to be enacted.
Golden passports: Calls for Legislative Change
Committee chairman Aristos Damianos, an MP from the Akel party, described the repeal as a “necessary” step. He highlighted that Cyprus had faced “intense international pressure and criticism” regarding the golden passports issue. Damianos emphasised the need for parliament to adopt regulations that would enhance the state’s transparency and credibility.
EU Involvement and Legal Implications
A representative from the legal service explained that the motion to repeal the law was prompted by an infringement procedure launched by the European Union against Cyprus. This procedure stems from findings earlier this year, where Malta’s golden passports scheme was deemed a violation of EU law, raising concerns about the commercialisation of citizenship.
Following the EU’s decision, Cypriot legal officials, including attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides, held discussions with EU representatives about compliance with EU law. The EU explicitly indicated during these meetings that the golden passports programme should be entirely abolished.
Government’s Plans for Future Citizenship Regulations
The cabinet approved the motion earlier this month, and the government is also planning to introduce a 60-day window for individuals whose citizenship is revoked to appeal the decision. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that any decision to rescind Cypriot citizenship would have to be published in the government gazette.
Letymbiotis stated that the aim of these changes is to “restore the reputation of the Republic of Cyprus at the international level,” particularly in light of past controversies surrounding the citizenship scheme.
Past Scandals and Ongoing Trials
The golden passports scheme has been the subject of significant scandal, especially after a 2020 Al Jazeera documentary exposed how some politicians sought to facilitate citizenship for individuals with questionable backgrounds. This led to the resignation of House president Demetris Syllouris and Akel MP Christakis Giovani, both of whom remain on trial for their involvement.
Additionally, former transport minister Marios Demetriades is facing trial linked to suspicious naturalisations conducted under the same scheme. The government has already revoked the citizenship of 150 individuals, including 41 investors and 109 family members, all of whom were naturalised under the contentious programme.
