Cyprus is preparing to spend €595,000 on a new armored limousine for President Nikos Christodoulides, with the Finance Ministry seeking parliamentary approval for the funds.
The Council of Ministers approved the purchase on July 16. Instead of launching a public tender, the government negotiated directly with a Cyprus-based car dealership, with the request now before Parliament’s Finance Committee.
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Cabinet Approves Purchase As Security Details Remain Confidential
The Finance Ministry has asked lawmakers to authorize the release of funds for the Presidency of the Republic. It declined to disclose the vehicle’s technical specifications, citing confidential security requirements, including details of its armor protection.
The Finance Committee is due to examine the request on Monday.
Cyprus Has Previously Bought Armored Presidential Cars Directly
Cyprus has used direct arrangements with specific companies for previous presidential armored vehicles. Christodoulides currently uses an armored limousine purchased during the presidency of Nicos Anastasiades in 2019 for €258,850 plus VAT.
That vehicle replaced the armored car used by former President Demetris Christofias, which was purchased in 2010 for €291,000 plus VAT. Parliamentary records show maintenance costs for Christofias’ vehicle later reached €138,654.
Armored Vehicles Also Used For EU Presidency Events
Cyprus has also leased armored vehicles for major diplomatic events. During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the government rented 12 armored limousines for visiting heads of state attending an informal EU leaders’ summit.
The vehicles were transported from Germany and leased for 10 days at a total cost of €140,000. Cyprus said it intended to seek reimbursement from the European Union.
State Spending On Electric And Hybrid Vehicles
Two years ago, the state purchased 35 electric and hybrid vehicles for public officials at a total cost of €1.65 million. The fleet included 25 electric saloon cars, five electric all-terrain vehicles and five plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The proposed presidential limousine would cost €595,000, more than twice the purchase price of the armored vehicle acquired in 2019.
