Cyprus finance chief moved amid questions over government transparency

Papnayiotis Rougalas reports in this Sunday's Kathimerini that the Council of Ministers of Cyprus announced a significant reshuffle on Thursday, moving George Pantelis from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth. Andreas Zachariadis will take over as the new Director General of the Ministry of Finance, while Penelope Papavassiliou will serve as the acting Director General at the General Directorate of Development until a permanent appointment is made.

Pantelis's transfer, particularly notable given the Finance Ministry's critical role in government operations, has raised eyebrows. Sources indicate he learned of his move while attending a meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) abroad. This incident has intensified speculation about his relationship with the presidential office, especially following recent controversies regarding the suspension and sudden resumption of support measures for civil servants.

Zachariadis, who has a solid background in finance and public administration, previously held various positions within the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the Internal Audit Directorate, and the Public Procurement Directorate. His extensive experience includes serving as the Assistant Accountant General and as Chairman of the Public Audit Profession Public Supervision Authority.

Meanwhile, Papavassiliou brings a wealth of experience, having worked on Cyprus' EU accession negotiations and various government projects. She has held numerous positions, including serving in the European Commission's Directorate General for Structural Reforms in Athens.

The transition has sparked debate among officials. While some view Pantelis's move to the Ministry of Education as a promotion to a more manageable position, others perceive it as a challenging role in a ministry that differs significantly from the finance sector. Notably, Makis Keraynos, the Minister of Education, was reportedly unaware of the decision, suggesting a lack of communication within the government.

Overall, the reshuffling reflects ongoing tensions within the Cypriot government, particularly concerning fiscal policies and civil service salaries, as leaders grapple with balancing economic stability and public expectations.