The government's latest appointments to the boards of Cyprus' semi-state organisations have exposed tensions within the ruling coalition, with coalition partner DIKO emerging as the main beneficiary while Depa and EDEK have expressed dissatisfaction over their limited representation.
Political observers have drawn parallels with President Nikos Christodoulides' recent cabinet reshuffle, arguing that the appointments further strengthened DIKO's influence within the administration while rewarding figures associated with the opposition DISY party who have supported the president.
Deep disappointment
According to party officials, Depa has been left disappointed after securing representation on the boards of only a handful of organisations, including Cyta, the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC), CyBC, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation and the Licensing Authority. EDEK is also reported to have expected greater representation following the cabinet reshuffle.
Within DISY, the appointments of members viewed as supportive of Christodoulides were not unexpected, with party figures arguing that the president is continuing efforts to deepen divisions within the opposition party.
AKEL criticised the appointments, accusing the government of excluding the left from the boards and abandoning previous practice under which opposition parties were afforded at least limited representation.
The appointments have also fuelled debate over DIKO's growing influence in the energy sector. The party now holds key positions across the Energy Ministry, the Public Natural Gas Corporation (Defa), the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), following the reappointment of Energy Minister Michalis Damianos and the selection of DIKO-linked figures to senior board positions.
Diko secured most proposed nominees
According to local media reports, coalition parties submitted lists of preferred candidates during consultations ahead of the appointments. However, only DIKO is believed to have secured most of its proposed nominees.
AKEL also questioned the operation of the government's Advisory Council, which vets appointments to public bodies. The party alleged that some board members may have been appointed without submitting applications, arguing that, if confirmed, the process would undermine the council's role and raise serious concerns about transparency and merit-based appointments.
The issue is expected to be examined by parliament's Institutions Committee. Committee chairman and DISY MP Dimitris Demetriou said the panel would review the operation of the Advisory Council following the latest appointments and reports that some appointees had not formally applied.
Withdrawal possible
Separately, the government said it intended to replace one of its newly appointed Cyta board members after trade unions raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest. The appointee, a former senior Cyta executive whose spouse remains employed by the telecommunications organisation, faced criticism over possible incompatibility with the role.
Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said the appointment would be withdrawn in the interests of good governance, adding that the individual had not disclosed the relationship with Cyta during the appointment process.
The Independent Telecommunications Employees' Union (ASET-Cyta) had called for the appointment to be revoked, citing legislation governing conflicts of interest and incompatibility for board members.
