Polys Kourousidis has joined DISY’s Government Oversight Council, known as the party’s Shadow Cabinet, taking responsibility for the Interior Ministry portfolio.
He has also been appointed special adviser to DISY President Annita Demetriou on housing policy, confirming an earlier report by Politis about plans to give him a more active role within the party.
Focus on interior affairs and housing
The appointment forms part of Demetriou’s effort to make greater use of party officials and candidates who participated in the recent parliamentary elections.
According to a DISY announcement, the initiative is intended to strengthen and renew the party, while supporting the preparation of documented and practical policy proposals.
Welcoming Kourousidis to the council, Demetriou highlighted the significance of the Interior Ministry portfolio and placed particular emphasis on housing.
She described access to housing as one of the most pressing challenges facing Cypriot society, particularly younger people.
“You are taking on a very important portfolio, that of the Interior Ministry,” Demetriou said.
“I also want you to serve as special adviser on housing policy, an area in which you have taken a leading role and which remains a major concern for our fellow citizens, particularly young people.”
Kourousidis pledges practical proposals
Kourousidis thanked Demetriou for her confidence and said affordable housing had become one of the country’s most important social issues.
He said specific proposals were available and could contribute to meaningful solutions.
“There are proposals. We will identify the available solutions, and I am confident that, together with the parliamentary group and with you, we will provide the answers society is seeking,” he said.
Kourousidis added that his new role would not be limited to monitoring the government’s work.
He said he would also contribute actively to the preparation and submission of practical and implementable policy proposals.
Expanded role within DISY
As previously reported by Politis, Demetriou had decided to appoint Kourousidis to the Shadow Cabinet with responsibility for interior affairs, while also assigning him a specialist role in housing policy.
The objective is to develop innovative proposals aimed at addressing Cyprus’ housing crisis.
Kourousidis stood as a DISY candidate in the recent parliamentary elections.
Reports had previously suggested that President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration was considering offering him a government role, although no cooperation was ultimately agreed.
Following the DISY appointment, Kourousidis will now take an active role in shaping the party’s policy positions and its scrutiny of government activity.
