The tenure of the government's new members officially began on Thursday with a swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Palace, following the cabinet changes announced by President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday.
The handover ceremonies followed, while the Cabinet met for the first time in its new composition at 1 p.m.
Evanthia Tsolaki assumed the post of Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Christos Senekis became Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Tina Pavlou took over as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Clea Papaellina assumed the position of Deputy Minister of Culture.
At the same time, Elias Myrianthous was appointed Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Irini Poyiatzi Commissioner for Citizens' Rights and Panayiotis Palates Director of the President's Office.
President Christodoulides said the public interest must remain the overriding principle and called on the new appointees to work tirelessly, with dedication and effectiveness.
Vafeades and ‘the bullet’
During the swearing-in ceremony, the President offered special thanks to the departing ministers for their service.
He reserved particular praise for former Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, saying he was:
"One of the few people who would stand in front of me to take the bullet."
Christodoulides described former Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou as exceptionally hardworking, saying she always confronted difficulties and challenges with a smile and determination.
Speaking about former Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou, he said she was among those who contributed knowledge, effort and their very best, always working with honesty and dedication, often under difficult circumstances.
Panayiotou: ‘It was my decision’
During the handover ceremony at the Agriculture Ministry, Christos Senekis identified food security, tackling climate change, environmental protection and support for the primary sector as his main priorities.
For her part, Maria Panayiotou said she was leaving the government by her own choice and was handing over a number of ongoing initiatives covering water management, agriculture, forestry, waste management, PDO halloumi and the Akamas region.
Tsolaki takes on a heavy burden
At the Transport Ministry, Evanthia Tsolaki received the portfolio from Alexis Vafeades, describing the role as:
"A very heavy burden."
She said her predecessor had set the bar high and pledged to continue projects already under way, including efforts to ease traffic congestion, particularly in Limassol.
Vafeades said he was leaving office with a sense of gratitude and without bitterness.
Referring to the Takata airbag affair, he pointed to the findings of the inquiry committee and the related draft legislation currently under discussion.
Tina Pavlou's message to Annita
New Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou said the wellbeing of children, persons with disabilities and families would be at the centre of her work.
"I want every family in Cyprus not to feel alone and to feel that it has the support of the state."
The statement outlined the social focus she intends to bring to the deputy ministry.
