Newsroom
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou will be leaving her post as part of the government reshuffle expected to be announced by President Nikos Christodoulides, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said on Thursday.
Speaking on Omega’s program “Informed Now,” Antoniou confirmed that Panayiotou has accepted an appointment in the education sector, meaning a replacement will be needed at the Agriculture Ministry.
“What I can say with certainty is that the Minister of Agriculture, who has accepted an appointment in education, should be replaced,” Antoniou said.
He did not provide further details about Panayiotou’s new role or when the reshuffle will officially be announced.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson said other decisions regarding changes to the Cabinet remain in the hands of President Christodoulides, adding that he could not comment on possible appointments because he himself had not been informed of them.
The expected reshuffle has been closely watched in political circles, with speculation over possible changes as the president seeks to strengthen his administration ahead of the next phase of his term.
Panayiotou, who took over the Agriculture Ministry when the Christodoulides government came to power in 2023, has been at the center of several major issues, including Cyprus’ water challenges, environmental policies, animal disease management, and the recent controversy over the landfill fee.
The announcement of her departure is expected to be followed by further details on who will take over the Agriculture portfolio and whether other ministries will also see changes.
The front-runner is Christos Senekis, a former DIKO MP, whose name has been circulating for several weeks as the most likely successor. According to reports, his possible appointment was discussed during a recent meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos.
However, Papadopoulos has made it clear that DIKO wants to be consulted before any member of the party is appointed to a Cabinet post. The party says it expects a stronger role in government, arguing that as the only governing coalition partner represented in Parliament, it should have greater influence.
