The first sitting of the new Parliament had the institutional tone expected of the swearing‑in ceremony, yet there were moments that broke the formal mood, sparking smiles, banter and small political group conversations. From early on, MPs arrived at the plenary hall in high spirits, exchanging handshakes and wishes for the new parliamentary term.
At the same time, newly elected MPs appeared more reserved but also visibly moved. Many were accompanied by partners, parents and children, adding a more human dimension to their first day in Parliament.
Among the moments that stood out was the warm handshake between DISY parliamentary spokesman Dimitris Demetriou and AKEL secretary‑general Stefanos Stefanou. The day coincided with the 78th anniversary of Omonia, and the conversation quickly turned to football. Demetriou joked about Stefanou’s suit, with Stefanou replying that he had forgotten to wear the appropriate tie for the 'beloved' team’s celebrations, prompting laughter in the chamber.
Irini Charalambidou’s appearance also drew positive comments, with her light blue outfit widely noted, along with a compliment from Odysseas Michaelides in one of the more relaxed moments before proceedings began. The anniversary of Omonia gave rise to further teasing, with AKEL MP Christos Christofides joking that treats should have been brought in to mark the occasion. DISY MPs Andreas Constantinou and Michalis Kounounis also exchanged playful sporting remarks, showing how party lines often fade when the conversation turns to football.
Koulias Show
The sharpest lines of the day, however, belonged to DIKO MP Zacharias Koulias, who presided over the session as the most senior member until the election of the House President. He set the tone on several occasions, with the highlight coming during a technical glitch in the first vote. Noticing the system was not responding, he announced to the chamber that the button “was not working,” drawing smiles across the hall.
A little later, while reading out MPs’ names, he spontaneously congratulated newly elected AKEL Limassol MP Ephraim Christou, the youngest member of the new Parliament. The warmest moment came after Annita Demetriou’s re‑election as Speaker. Koulias congratulated her warmly and, in a light tone, reminded her that she had no reason to complain about him, since both times he presided over the election process, she emerged the winner.
