Cabinet changes should primarily be agreeable with society itself, government spokesman Constandinos Letympiotis told the public service broadcaster, commenting on criticism following yesterday's mini-reshuffling.
Speaking on the state radio's morning current affaits show, Letympiotis noted however that coalition party positions were taken into account,, in the framework of their ongoing cooperation.
He did go on to underscore though that this was based on implementing the government programme and as such, the fundamental priority was to select individuals that can contribute towards achieving this goal.
Commenting on criticism by Socialist EDEK who now only have one individual left from their ranks in post, namely Agricultural Minister Maria Panayiotou, he stressed that any approach and position by forces supporting the government is absolutely respected, but notwithstanding, the current administration will move forward based on the 'social contract of President Christodoulides with the people of Cyprus'.
EDEK's politburo is meeting tomorrow to 'discuss the possibility of reviewing its relations with the government', as was noted.
The spokesman further made clear that individuals will not be chosen simply on party affiliation. Those joining the government are assessed and utilised based on their ability and qualification relevance to their portfolio, he clarified.
'There are capable officials in the ranks of political forces supporting the government who can contribute in implementing the government programme.'
Referring to former Central Prisons Warden Anna Aristotelous, who was suspended from her ministerial director general position pending criminal charges against her, Letympiotis said that the cabinet followed all specified procedures and as such, proposed to the Public Service Commission that her period of suspension is extended.
The proposal was adopted yesterday.