Fire Service launches administrative inquiry following report on political campaign activity

The Chief of the Fire Service has ordered an administrative investigation following a report in the newspaper Haravgi regarding a visit by an ELAM parliamentary candidate to the Fire Service School. AKEL publicly demanded that the Minister of Justice, Constantinos Fytiris, and the Fire Service leadership clarify the circumstances of this visit, alleging that recruits were required to attend a speech containing hate speech. Concerns were also raised about whether the candidate, a former member of the Fire Service, exploited professional connections for electoral purposes. AKEL further questioned whether standard institutional procedures were followed and if candidates from other parties would receive similar access. In response, the Fire Service stated that following a letter from the Director General of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, recommendations were issued to all staff members running in the 2026 legislative elections. The Fire Service confirmed that an inquiry was launched immediately following the press reports. The investigation aims to address allegations regarding political interference and the conduct of the speaker on service premises.