Christos Papamichael, deputy mayor of Yermasoyia and spokesman for deputy mayors, expressed his concerns during a morning talk with state radio, explaining that loopholes in the legislation allow mayors to decide for themselves whether to delegate powers to their deputies, leaving their roles undefined.

"It is shameful," Papamichael said, "that we are paid for by taxpayers' money and yet are unable to adequately represent the citizens. We have been humiliated for a long time and the diminishing role of deputy mayors continues to undermine the democratic process and the local electoral system."

Papamichael also questioned the need for municipal leaders in smaller municipalities. In areas with only 200 or 500 residents, he wondered why these positions even exist when deputy mayors are already in place to manage local affairs.

He criticized the government's decision to appoint 209 community leaders, arguing that they would be paid to certify documents - a task already covered by internal Interior Ministry documents.

Meanwhile, the deputy mayors, who are also financed from public tax money, remain without specific tasks.

A national conference of deputy mayors will be held in Limassol tomorrow to discuss these concerns. The aim of the meeting is to develop a common position to be presented to the government and parliamentary parties.

However, Interior Ministry spokesperson Margarita Kyriakou clarified the government's position on the issue. In the same radio broadcast, she stated that the appointment of the 209 municipal heads was in line with existing legislation, which requires their appointment under Article 17/4 of the Municipality Law.

Kyriakou added that a bill pending in parliament since January 23, 2025, aims to amend the law to clearly define the duties of deputy mayors.

This change would allow mayors to decide whether to delegate additional responsibilities to deputies, but would not change the current appointment process for municipal leaders.