The rules governing police protection for public figures and government officials are changing, as a new risk assessment procedure is being implemented, no longer requiring the involvement of the Council of Ministers.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order, in response to press reports, clarifies that all existing security details are being reassessed, with protective measures adjusted to the objectively assessed level of risk. Where no need is substantiated, security details will be terminated or modified.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
According to the relevant announcement by the Ministry of Justice:
From the 1970s to the present, a specific practice had been established regarding the provision of police protection to public figures and government officials, which included approval by the Council of Ministers, even though this was not provided for by any specific legislative provision.
For this reason, an opinion was requested from the Legal Service to clarify the applicable legal framework and the relevant responsibilities.
Based on the legal opinion, the assessment of the level of risk and the actual protection needs falls within the institutional and operational jurisdiction of the Police. The Police conduct the risk assessment based on an established procedure and objective criteria, determines the necessary protective measures, and forwards the results and the Committee’s relevant decisions to the Minister of Justice and Public Order, without requiring the involvement of the Council of Ministers.
Based on the above, all existing security details will be reassessed, and protective measures will be adjusted according to the assessed level of risk. Where the need for a police guard is not substantiated, it will be terminated or modified accordingly.
Police guard duty is a security measure and is provided where an objective risk assessment substantiates its necessity. Reassessments will be conducted every six months or on an ad hoc basis, as required.
The new procedure will take effect in September 2026.
