The swearing-in ceremony for the new members of the government was completed at the Presidential Palace following the mini-reshuffle announced by President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday evening.
Under the changes, Evanthia Tsolaki assumes the role of Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Christos Senekis becomes Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Tina Pavlou takes over as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, and Clea Hadjistefanou Papaellina becomes Deputy Minister of Culture.
Following the ceremony, handover ceremonies were scheduled at the affected ministries and deputy ministries. The ceremony at the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare was set for 10:15am, followed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works at 11:00am, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment at 11:45am, and the Deputy Ministry of Culture at 12:30pm.
Five priorities for the new ministers
Addressing the new ministers and deputy ministers, President Christodoulides called on them to work “tirelessly” to implement the government's programme.
He said the administration is focused on five main priorities:
- Achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.
- Strengthening the country's defence and security through a strong foreign policy.
- Maintaining a strong and resilient economy.
- Modernising the state through continued reforms.
- Strengthening transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
The President also stressed that improving citizens' daily lives remains a central objective of the government.
Appointments formally presented
During the ceremony, Evanthia Tsolaki formally received her appointment as Minister of Transport, followed by Christos Senekis as Minister of Agriculture.
Tina Pavlou received her appointment as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, while Klea Hadjistefanou Papaellina received her appointment as Deputy Minister of Culture.
Panayiotis Palates received his appointment as Director of the Office of the President of the Republic.
Elias Myrianthous received his appointment as Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, while Irini Poyiatzi received her appointment as Commissioner for Citizens' Rights.
Reference to Cyprus talks
The President also referred to recent developments in the Cyprus issue, saying the visits of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Raffaele Fitto to Cyprus confirmed the government's efforts to restart negotiations aimed at reaching a settlement.
“You have virtually no grace period”
Christodoulides praised the work of outgoing Cabinet members, making special mention of former Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades and former Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, noting that they had managed particularly demanding challenges during their tenure.
Addressing all departing members of the Cabinet, he said they had worked with dedication under difficult circumstances.
Turning to the incoming ministers and deputy ministers, the President said: “You are taking over your portfolios with virtually no grace period,” expressing confidence that they would demonstrate the same commitment and perform their duties successfully.
He also urged them to remain in constant contact with society in order to understand citizens' needs and concerns.
“You are members of a government with a clear centre-right orientation, committed to serving all Cypriot citizens, regardless of ideology, political preference or social background,” he said.
Senekis pledges to meet public expectations
Speaking after the President, new Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis praised the work and contribution of his predecessors, saying they had achieved significant results and established a solid foundation for the new leadership.
He said the ministry's new leadership was assuming office in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect and was committed to continuing the work already underway.
“The new leadership is taking on the task of working with all its strength, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” he said.
Senekis added that the ministry's main ambition was to respond to the needs and expectations of citizens.
“Our only ambition, when our own term comes to an end, is to have met the expectations of citizens to the greatest possible extent,” he said.
First Cabinet meeting at 1pm
The Cabinet, in its new composition, is scheduled to hold its first meeting at 1:00pm.
