Rafaela Dimitriadi
“Cabinet reshuffles are not signalled in advance; they are simply announced,” the President of the Republic often says.
Yet since last Friday, when the names of several people reportedly being considered for Cabinet positions were leaked, speculation over an imminent reshuffle has been growing. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, the reports have already triggered a strong reaction from DISY.
Party Vice President Yiannis Karousos appeared particularly irritated and openly critical of the President, even calling on him to “leave us alone.”
The uncertainty surrounding the possible reshuffle may already be causing problems for the government and its ministers, although the president denies that this is the case.
Speaking on the program “Diaspora Eidiseon” with Oriana Papantoniou, Karousos said that, if the reports are true, the president's actions would amount to a direct confrontation with DISY.
“We do not want any of our party officials participating in the government,” he said.
Criticism from some who worked with AKEL in 2023
During an interview with ANT1 on Monday night, the president hit back at DISY’s criticism. He accused some figures within the party of supporting AKEL during the 2023 presidential election.
“They campaigned for AKEL’s candidate to be elected,” he said.
The president's comments sparked a fresh round of confrontation, with Karousos responding with another attack.
“Someone who chose to go against his own party’s decision has no right today to lecture others about political consistency,” the DISY vice president said.
He added that those who chose to abandon their political camp cannot now present themselves as guardians of political morality.
The president clearly takes a different view from the DISY leadership over whether he should approach members of the party for government positions.
Christodoulides ran as an independent candidate in 2023, going against DISY’s decision to support Averof Neophytou. Despite the fallout that followed, his comments suggest that he still considers himself part of the political family from which he came.
“On many issues, most issues, in fact, I do not see where the disagreement lies,” he told ANT1.
“What political space do I come from? Have I ever hidden where I come from?” he asked. “I do not change my positions, and I do not betray my principles.”
Still no official confirmation
Despite the intense speculation of recent days, nothing has yet been officially confirmed or denied. Those whose names have appeared in the various reshuffle scenarios have therefore been left waiting.
According to information obtained by “K,” one change that appears to have been decided is the transfer of Neophytos Charalambides from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Transport. Christos Senekis is also expected to be appointed agriculture minister.
Panayiotou, meanwhile, is expected to take up a position in public education in one month. Until then, she continues to carry out her duties as agriculture minister.
The two leaked names that prompted DISY’s strong reaction are Christos Angelides, who is reportedly being considered for deputy tourism minister, and Tina Pavlou, whose name has been linked to the Ministry of Health.
The DISY president said she had not spoken to either of them. She added that she had attempted to contact Pavlou but had been unable to reach her.
Regarding Angelides, the Cyprus Hotel Association said that “PASYXE has had, and will continue to have, a director general.”
Another name being strongly linked to the new Cabinet is Evi Tsolaki, who comes from DIKO. She is reportedly being considered to replace Klea Papaellina at the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
Under another scenario, Papaellina would move to the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
Nikos Christodoulides may say that he follows the example of Glafcos Clerides on such matters and that a reshuffle will not be announced while it is still being publicly discussed. However, the ministers whose names have become caught up in the speculation are unlikely to be feeling particularly secure.
The longer the announcement is delayed and the more the rumors continue to circulate, the greater the risk that the uncertainty could disrupt the smooth running of the government.
