New auditor-general ‘to make his own mark’

Fresh ideas will be incorporated into the operation of the Audit Office, without dismissing good practices already in place, auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said on Tuesday.

He added that there would be “a combination” of old and new, while at the same time allowing the Audit Office to have its own say in matters of reform.

Speaking in Paphos on the sidelines of a European auditors conference, Papaconstantinou said such events were a good platform to exchange knowledge.

Asked about his first days at the Audit Office, Papaconstantinou said they were demanding, nevertheless he remained very optimistic.

He said the staff had the know-how and enthusiasm to work and they would together make their own mark.

The auditor-general said independence was a fundamental issue for the Audit Office to do its job right.

He added that during the period of reform they would have to be very cautious so as not to go beyond the Constitution.

“We will take cautious steps, but we are not afraid,” he said.

Replying to questions, Papaconstantinou said all audit services have their problems and it is difficult to keep the balance, however he expressed optimism that Cyprus could move forward by drawing on the good practices of other countries.

The meeting in Paphos focusses on the independence of audit services and will also discuss immigration and its economic implications, as well as the Agenda 2030 and the goals for sustainable development.