Criticism from the political parties, society and the media is welcome because it helps us become better and we are here to listen and respond to it, new President Nikos Christodoulides said Tuesday, when asked about the comments on the composition of the new Council of Ministers.
In statements to the press departing the Parliament after the sworn-in ceremony, the President said he would do everything possible to meet the expectations of the people and that both he and his associates would be judged by their work.
Christodoulides said that the new government assumes duties immediately, on the basis of a clear plan and strategy. The President said that he looks forward to a very close cooperation with the Parliament and he is optimistic about this cooperation.
Replying to a question about the participation of women in his new Cabinet and not meeting an equal representation as he promised before the elections and the appointment of people who served before as Ministers, he replied that the criticism is welcome and that he does not think criticism is a negative thing, on the contrary it helps them improve.
President Christodoulides said that yesterday he announced the appointment of 25 Ministers and other officials, 14 men and 11 women from all districts of Cyprus, as he had promised.
He said that there is the participation of two former Ministers who did not serve in the outgoing Cabinet, one being Makis Keravnos as Finance Minister and Constantinos Ioannou as Interior Minister.
Christodoulides said that the appointment of Keravnos is sending the message of the importance of steadiness in the economy. He added that Ioannou successfully implemented the great reform of the National Health Service and is now called upon as Minister of Interior to implement another, very important reform.
He added that not only Ministers will be called to implement the government work but other officials as well and that this the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus that there is such a representation of women.
He said that it is up to the leaders of parties who supported him to reply to questions about a disapproval they have for the composition of the new government scheme, adding that all will be judged by their work.
Christodoulides replied “all in due time” when asked if he will move to the Presidential Palace. He also said that his political office will no longer be in operation because of lack of time.
Source: Cyprus News Agency