Union of municipalities has urged chief of police Themistos Arnaoutis to immediately withdraw the decision to charge Limassol municipality €43,000 for policing this year’s carnival parade on Sunday.

The move has sparked widespread concern, as it marks the first time police have requested payment for security at the historic and well-established event.

A representative of the union revealed the issue earlier today before the House legal affairs committee, confirming that the municipality had received an invoice from the police. This was further verified by deputy police chief Yiannakis Georgiou, who told MPs that the decision was made due to budget constraints, particularly limited funds for police overtime.

However, the union of municipalities strongly rejected this explanation, stating in a letter to the chief of police that financial limitations within the force are not the concern of local authorities. The union emphasised that municipalities have always collaborated with police to ensure public safety at major events, without ever being asked to cover the costs.

The union warned that this unprecedented charge could set a dangerous precedent. It questioned whether police would now refuse to provide security for other public or private gatherings, some of which could pose far greater risks than a celebratory parade.

Calling the move both “unacceptable” and “dangerous,” the union argued that it could undermine the constitutional right to assembly, which is protected by Cypriot, European and international law.

“There is no legal basis for police to demand payment for carrying out their constitutional duty to ensure public safety,” the union stated. It also noted that deputy chief Georgiou admitted before parliament that no law supports such a charge.

The issue arose as MPs discussed a government bill regulating public gatherings and parades. The committee also reviewed a separate proposal to criminalise the use of face coverings during demonstrations. Officials suggested that if the main bill passes soon, including provisions on policing public events, the separate proposal may be withdrawn.

The debate over security costs is expected to continue, with municipalities seeking urgent clarification on whether this will become a standard practice for major public events.