The role of deputy mayors is facing growing controversy as local authorities demand urgent reforms to clarify their legal responsibilities, it was reported on Tuesday.

Deputy mayors are calling for changes to the current legislation to establish specific duties by law, asserting that the existing framework leaves much ambiguity.

Deputy mayor of Yermasoyia and spokesman for the deputy mayors Christos Papamichael voiced concerns to CyBC radio. He explained that gaps in the legislation allow mayors to decide whether to delegate powers to their deputies, leaving their roles undefined.

The position of deputy mayor was created during local government reforms implemented in June last year.

“It is shameful,” Papamichael said, “that we are paid by taxpayers and yet unable to properly represent them. We have been humiliated for a long time, and the diminishing role of deputy mayors continues, undermining the democratic process and the local electoral system.”

Papamichael also raised questions over the need for community leaders in smaller communities.

In areas with populations of just 200 or 500, he wondered why these positions exist when deputy mayors are already in place to manage local affairs.

He criticised the government’s decision to appoint 209 community leaders, arguing that they would be paid to certify documents, a task already covered by the internal records issued by the interior ministry.

Meanwhile, deputy mayors, who are also funded by public taxes, are left without specific duties to perform.

A nationwide conference of deputy mayors will be held on Wednesday in Limassol to address these concerns. The meeting will aim to formulate a position to present to the government and parliamentary parties.

However, interior ministry spokeswoman Margarita Kyriakou explained the appointments of the 209 community leaders were made in accordance with existing legislation.

She said a bill before parliament since January 23 seeks to amend the law to clearly define the duties of deputy mayors.

This amendment would allow mayors to decide whether additional responsibilities should be delegated to their deputies but would not change the current appointment process for community leaders.