Paphos is set to hold an extraordinary council session on Monday to address the ongoing vacancy of the municipal secretary position, a role that has been unfilled since the retirement of Themis Philippides. At 72, Philippides retired recently but concerns have arisen regarding his continued involvement in council duties during his pre-retirement leave.
- The council’s decision on Monday will be crucial not only for filling the municipal secretary role but also for navigating the ongoing turbulence surrounding the mayor’s office.
Local news outlet PafosNet reported that the interior ministry is taking the situation seriously. Antonis Economides, the director of local government affairs, expressed his concern on Friday, stating, “Philippides should have been removed from his duties two weeks ago and taken his leave cumulatively.” The ministry is now considering whether Philippides may have signed any documents during this period, which would render them invalid.
This scrutiny follows the recent suspension of Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who has been accused of domestic abuse and rape. Phedonos had previously requested that Philippides remain in his role for a little longer, a request made back in January.
During the upcoming session, the town council is expected to appoint a temporary municipal secretary while searching for a permanent successor. Three candidates are reportedly in the running: Christos Christou, the health services director; Christos Constantinides, the municipal engineer; and Constantinos Christoforou, the financial department director.
Phedonos’ suspension from his role, enacted on Thursday, follows serious allegations against him that have recently resurfaced. The most notable claim comes from land developer Theodoros Aristodemou, who accused Phedonos of rape occurring approximately ten years ago. Additionally, social media figure Ioanna Photiou, known as Annie Alexui, has brought forward documents suggesting Phedonos’ wife, Louiza Andreou, was admitted to Nicosia General Hospital in 2017 due to alleged abuse. Despite the accusations against Phedonos, Andreou has publicly defended her husband, stating, “my family is being subjected to a coordinated attack.”
The council’s decision on Monday will be crucial not only for filling the municipal secretary role but also for navigating the ongoing turbulence surrounding the mayor’s office.
