For the first time, Cyprus police have issued an invoice on Wednesday for the cost of policing the Limassol carnival parade, a move that has raised concerns among local authorities.

A representative of the union of municipalities revealed before the House legal affairs committee on Wednesday that police sent an invoice for €45,000 to cover security expenses for Sunday’s parade in Limassol. This was confirmed by deputy police chief Yiannakis Georgiou, who was present at the committee meeting.

When questioned by committee chairman Nikos Tornaritis, Georgiou explained that the decision was made due to limited funds available for police overtime. He did not clarify whether similar charges would apply to other public events in the future.

The representative of the union of municipalities stressed that this was the first time police had requested payment for carnival security. The unexpected bill has raised questions about who should bear the cost of public event policing.

The discussion took place as MPs reviewed a government bill regulating public gatherings and parades. The committee also examined a separate legislative proposal to criminalise the use of face coverings during demonstrations. Officials indicated that if the government’s bill passes soon, including provisions addressing this issue, the separate proposal may be withdrawn.

The debate over security costs is expected to continue, with municipalities seeking clarity on whether police charges will become standard practice for major public events.