The move comes amid growing tensions with coalition partner DIKO, which is demanding a larger share of government positions and increasing influence within the administration.
Discussion about a possible reshuffle of the Christodoulides government has resurfaced in recent weeks, while a difficult political backdrop became partly visible following the President's meeting with the DIKO secretariat — a meeting that was far from coincidental.
Relations between President Nikos Christodoulides and DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos, which are not currently at their best, are being tested first through the reshuffle and later through appointments to the boards of semi-governmental organisations, as Papadopoulos made clear in a letter to the President last Tuesday.
Growing tensions
On the eve of a Cabinet meeting that was reportedly expected to approve new boards for semi-governmental organisations, Papadopoulos sent what was described as a confidential ultimatum letter to President Christodoulides.
The letter, later published by Politis, urgently requested a meeting between the President and DIKO's secretariat, with three agenda items:
- A possible cabinet reshuffle.
- Upcoming appointments to semi-governmental organisation boards.
- The functioning of the coalition government and cooperation between the two sides.
After receiving the letter, the President postponed the Cabinet meeting by one day and instead met the DIKO secretariat at the Presidential Palace in what sources described as a distinctly frosty atmosphere.
Political bargaining
With 18 months remaining until the 2028 presidential election, Papadopoulos has little left to gain personally from supporting Christodoulides beyond securing ministerial positions for party figures.
In contrast, should DISY leader Annita Demetriou become president in 2028 with DIKO's support, DIKO could potentially secure more cabinet positions than it currently holds, along with the Speakership of the House.
As a result, some within DIKO see the current period as a now-or-never moment in their relationship with the President.
How many ministers does DIKO really have?
Although Christodoulides believes DIKO is represented in government by four ministers — Energy Minister Michalis Damianos, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos — DIKO itself only recognises the first two as its representatives.
Party officials do not regard Michaelidou or Keravnos as DIKO appointments.
The party is also irritated that Democratic Alignment (DIPA), which failed to win parliamentary representation after receiving just 3.1 per cent of the vote, enjoys the same number of ministers as DIKO, which secured around 10 per cent.
Demands for greater representation
According to reports, Papadopoulos is seeking two additional ministries in exchange for continuing support for Christodoulides.
At least one of these would ideally be a major ministry, such as Finance or Interior.
DIKO is also seeking two deputy ministerships and at least four chairmanships of semi-governmental organisations.
The party argues that, as the only parliamentary party actively supporting the President, it deserves a larger share of influence within government.
A difficult meeting
The meeting between Christodoulides and the DIKO secretariat reportedly produced little progress.
Party officials outlined numerous grievances and requests, so many that discussion could not be completed and is expected to continue after DIKO's executive committee meeting on Tuesday.
The President reportedly responded in broad terms and showed little willingness to discuss either the reshuffle or appointments to semi-governmental organisations.
His recent appointments to the Fiscal Council, the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications Regulation and the Cyprus Radio-Television Authority were cited by DIKO as examples of decisions made without consultation with coalition partners.
Message from Papadopoulos
Within DIKO there is a growing perception that the President's attitude towards cooperation has not changed since taking office.
One party source described him as "arrogant" in relation to coalition management.
In a podcast published on Friday, Papadopoulos stressed the importance of continued parliamentary cooperation with DISY, saying future presidential election decisions would ultimately be determined by the party's collective bodies after consulting members and assessing the political landscape.
He also suggested that Christodoulides should first clarify whether he intends to seek re-election before DIKO makes its own decisions regarding 2028.
President irritated by pressure
According to well-informed sources, Christodoulides reacts negatively when he feels pressure is being exerted on him or attempts are made to dictate decisions.
Even if he had initially been inclined to accommodate some of DIKO's demands, the public discussion surrounding them has reportedly led him to reconsider aspects of the reshuffle.
Three conditions for a reshuffle
The President is said to favour refreshing his administration as he enters the final stretch before the 2028 election campaign.
However, any reshuffle will depend on three conditions:
- Replacements must be stronger than current office-holders.
- Appointees should be political figures rather than purely technocratic choices.
- They should already be well known to the public and able to make an impact immediately.
The reshuffle is expected before the August holiday period, possibly within the next ten days and before appointments to semi-governmental organisation boards are finalised.
Who could leave?
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou is widely expected to depart government soon after accepting a teaching appointment in a public school.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades is also considered vulnerable despite reportedly enjoying the President's personal respect. Sources suggest his handling of the Larnaca port and marina project has generated political costs for the administration.
Potential changes are also being considered at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, currently led by Costas Koumis, and at the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
Culture Deputy Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou recently denied reports that she had offered her resignation, emphasising that decisions on government changes rest solely with the President.
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, meanwhile, is expected to remain in place as Christodoulides seeks to preserve delicate political balances surrounding the Great Sea Interconnector electricity project.
So far, the only name consistently linked with a possible government role is former DIKO MP Christos Senekis, who strongly supported Christodoulides during politically difficult periods.
DIPA and EDEK calculations
DIPA is not expected to gain additional government positions, as Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Labour Minister Yiannis Mousiouttas remain firmly backed by the President.
At most, DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonides could be considered for a commissioner role in the future.
EDEK may have an opportunity to secure a position once Panayiotou leaves Agriculture, although Christodoulides reportedly wants someone capable of maintaining neutrality amid the party's internal divisions.
The DISY factor
Perhaps the most complex political equation for Christodoulides involves his relationship with DISY.
Despite continuing clashes with the party leadership, the President reportedly recognises that he needs stronger links with the political space from which he originally emerged if he hopes to secure a second term.
He is believed to favour greater participation by figures with DISY backgrounds in a reshuffled government.
However, DISY leader Annita Demetriou has already drawn a clear line, insisting that the party will field its own presidential candidate in 2028 and warning that any DISY member who accepts a ministerial post under Christodoulides will automatically place themselves outside the party.
