Poyiatzis: Reversing climate of distrust a "big challenge"

"It is a big challenge" to manage to reverse the climate of distrust that prevails in society towards institutions, newly appointed Commissioner for Transparency, Haris Poyiatzis, told CNA on Wednesday.

"It is a great honour, I feel a great weight for the responsibility we have as an Authority to carry out our work," Poyiatzis noted replying to a request for a comment on his appointment.

Asked about the measures that the Independent Commission against Corruption intends to take to combat the phenomenon, he said that "we will make a plan, which I hope will be functional and practical." As he put it, he has some first ideas, however he did not want to share them before discussing with the other members of the Commission and reaching collective decisions.

He noted that their official appointment has not yet been made, while the newly appointed members have not yet been able to communicate with each other. For the time being, practical issues are being dealt with, such as finding premises and staff for the new Commission. Then the Commission's first session is expected to take place in the coming days, he said.