The ongoing issue of a former Commissioner of Volunteerism receiving a salary while on leave has resurfaced during parliamentary discussions on the Cyprus Youth Board (ONEK) budget. The House Education Committee convened recently with ONEK’s new Board of Directors and its President, Konstantina Achilleos, to review the organization’s financial plan. However, a familiar controversy involving former Commissioner of Volunteerism, Mr. Giannakis, drew significant attention once again.

According to AKEL MP Christos Christofides, who sits on the Education Committee, Mr. Giannakis was placed on leave in June 2021, but continues to collect half his salary while awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings. By next June, his period of paid leave will reach four years. During that time, he will have received approximately €76,800 in total from ONEK funds, despite not working.

Mr. Giannakis was originally an employee of ONEK before being appointed as Commissioner of Volunteerism. Critics argue that his appointment and subsequent financial arrangements were handled improperly. Mr. Christofides underscored what he views as an “ethical distortion,” emphasizing that taxpayers are effectively covering costs while legal questions remain unresolved.

Mr. Giannakis’s case involves allegations that he presented fraudulent documents to secure his position at ONEK. The legal process, however, has moved slowly, and his trial remains in progress. Despite repeated calls for clarity, parliamentarians claim they have not received official updates from ONEK. These unanswered inquiries continue to fuel concerns over transparency and accountability within the organization.

During the budget hearing, several committee members stressed the need to resolve the Giannakis matter promptly, citing both ethical and financial implications for the Cypriot public. While the new ONEK leadership pledged to address outstanding issues, no concrete timeline has been given for when or how they intend to finalize the case.