THE government yesterday remained tight-lipped over the embarassment concerning the illegality of recent generous pay and expense increases for deputies.
Deputies a couple of weeks ago attempted to sneak in the law through the back door, but in their haste they apparently shot themselves on the foot as the bill proved unconstitutional.
Politis yesterday reported that Attorney-general Petros Clerides, who was asked to give a ruling on the matter, has officially declared the law unconstitutional.
The problem lies with the fact that the law was retroactive, something prohibited by Article 84 of the constitution: “Any increase of such remuneration shall not become operative during the term of office of the House of Representatives in which such increase has been made.”
The law sparked outrage among the public as it came in the middle of a government austerity drive aimed at reining in the public deficit.
The bill was rushed through Parliament in utmost secrecy – the Finance Committee discussed it behind closed doors and it was voted on without debate – all in one day.
The wage and benefits hike includes a pay rise for President Tassos Papadopoulos, from £47,500 to £51,500, plus an additional 40 per cent rise in his expenses.
House Speaker Demetris Christofias benefited from a pay rise of nearly £6,000.
Deputies and Ministers will see their expense allowance rise by 30 per cent to £12,000 per year, plus a standard £400 per month or another £5,000 each per year for travel expenses. They will also benefit from a 100 per cent increase in their monthly allowance for secretarial services from £300 to £600, which amounts to another £3,600 per year.
Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides confirmed that the Attorney-general’s ruling was in the hands of the Finance Minister but declined to comment further.
“The Finance Minister received the Attorney-general’s ruling.
“But neither the minister nor the Attorney-general have announced anything concerning the contents so as Government Spokesman I too have nothing to announce,”
Chrysostomides said.
He added that President Tassos Papadopoulos would decide on whether to send the law back to parliament after he had studied the ruling.
The ruling included Christofias but did not concern ministers and Papadopoulos, who according to reports, was not so keen on the increase anyway.
The president could now decide to send the law back to Parliament, which would be forced to convene in an emergency session to decide on the matter or refer it directly to the Supreme Court to obtain a final ruling.
